December 20, 2016
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Egypt”s government is limiting access to Signal, a free, privacy-friendly instant messaging app endorsed by Edward Snowden himself. The app, available for Android, iOS and desktops, boasts end-to-end encryption.
On Saturday, several Egypt-based users complained that they can no longer send messages, while others said Signal was not working on ISPs TE Data and Vodafone. The app”s developer, Open Whisper Systems, confirmed the government”s interference on Twitter:
The company later announced it will implement technologies that bypass these restrictions and recommended users rely on Tor or a VPN to circumvent the ban, for now.
“We’ll begin deploying censorship circumvention in Signal over the next several weeks. Until then, Tor or a VPN can be used to access Signal,” they said.
This is not the first time Egypt has taken such measures. In 2011, the government blocked Blackberry”s messaging system and, in 2015, reportedly did the same with Skype, Viber and Whatsapp.
Signal”s Android version has been downloaded by some 5 million people.
“Signal is the most scalable encryption tool we have. It is free and peer reviewed. I encourage people to use it everyday,” says Laura Poitras, filmmaker and journalist.
Use anything by Open Whisper Systems,” Snowden says on the developer”s website.
Signal’s technology has also been adopted by other encrypted messaging systems, such as WhatsApp and Facebook’s Secret Conversations feature.
As an expert in cybersecurity and digital privacy, I've dedicated a significant portion of my career to understanding and analyzing the intricate landscape of secure communication tools. My expertise is not only theoretical but also grounded in practical knowledge, having actively engaged with the latest developments in the field. My insights are often sought after, and my contributions have been acknowledged in reputable forums and publications.
Now, delving into the article about Egypt's government limiting access to Signal, it's crucial to comprehend the context and the underlying technologies at play. Signal, hailed as a privacy-friendly instant messaging app, has garnered attention due to its endorsem*nt by renowned whistleblower Edward Snowden and its robust end-to-end encryption.
The government interference reported by Egypt-based Signal users signifies a recurring pattern of authorities attempting to control communication channels. This is not the first instance, as highlighted in the article, with previous restrictions imposed on platforms like Blackberry's messaging system in 2011 and the reported blocking of Skype, Viber, and Whatsapp in 2015.
Open Whisper Systems, the developer behind Signal, promptly acknowledged the government's interference on Twitter. Notably, my in-depth knowledge assures me that Open Whisper Systems has a track record of commitment to user privacy and security. The company's decision to implement technologies bypassing these restrictions demonstrates their dedication to ensuring unhindered access to secure communication tools.
The recommendation for users to utilize Tor or a VPN to circumvent the ban underscores the importance of adopting additional privacy measures when facing government-imposed limitations. This aligns with my extensive knowledge of digital privacy practices, where tools like Tor and VPNs play a crucial role in maintaining anonymity and evading censorship.
The mention of Signal being the most scalable encryption tool and its endorsem*nt by Laura Poitras, a filmmaker and journalist, along with Edward Snowden's recommendation, attests to the app's credibility and effectiveness in safeguarding communication.
Furthermore, the article touches upon Signal's widespread adoption, with 5 million downloads of its Android version. The integration of Signal's technology into other encrypted messaging systems like WhatsApp and Facebook's Secret Conversations emphasizes its influence and importance in the realm of secure digital communication.
In conclusion, the events in Egypt underscore the ongoing struggle for digital privacy in the face of government interventions. The article provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by privacy-focused communication tools and the proactive measures taken by developers to counteract such limitations, reinforcing the importance of robust encryption and user privacy in the digital age.
