Signal Will No Longer Make You Share Your Phone Number

Popular encrypted messaging app Signal is preparing to roll out usernames to replace phone numbers when starting conversations with new people. Signal has long been one of the more privacy-focused messaging apps, with the glaring exception that it used your real phone number to identify you to other people. The change fixes that issue, letting you choose a unique username which can then be used by other people to start new conversations without knowing your phone number. Usernames will be private, not displayed on your profile. Users will also now be able to hide their phone number from people who don't already have it, and limit who can use your phone number to connect with you on the app. These changes are currently in public beta testing.