Back to main

Vitalik Buterin praises Open-source Signal Messaging App, despite being linked to US Intelligence

Vitalik Buterin praises Open-source Signal Messaging App, despite being linked to US Intelligence 2

The Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin raised concerns over potential ties between Signal app & US intelligence but at the same time he praised the open source nature of the app.

Signal is an averagely popular messaging app that’s big on keeping chats private and secure. It locks up chat messages so only Signal users can see their corresponding chat history. Lots of people like Signal because it’s super focused on protecting privacy. Even big names like former CIA agent Edward Snowden think it’s a great messaging app.

On 8 May 2024, The Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, one of the co-founders of Ethereum, shared his thoughts about Signal, a messaging app. 

Vitalik asserted the significance of free speech and decentralisation, especially after concerns were raised about Signal’s board chair and possible connections with US intelligence. 

Vitalik emphasised the importance of maintaining privacy and independence in communication platforms. 

The crypto enthusiast also praises Signal’s open-source nature but suggests moving towards a multi-client/server system to further enhance transparency and inclusivity to mitigate potential biases and ensure broader participation without compromising the platform’s integrity.

Things like this are worrying.

Freedom of speech is a sacred principle, not a cudgel to be selectively used against enemies.

Freedom of speech is for reds. It's for blues. It's for Canadians. It's for Palestinians. It's for the rich and the poor. For the old and the young.

The… pic.twitter.com/GD4L6UVURj

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) May 8, 2024

In the past many times, many people claimed potential ties between Signal & US intelligence because Signal received a $3 million grant from the Open Technology Fund (OTF) to provide encrypted communication tools to “Internet freedom defenders globally”.

Notably, OTF is a group set up by the government long ago during the Cold War to share information against Communism. 

Now such speculations are getting more support, as Signal’s Katherine Maher exposed by some talents.

Source: https://t.co/JLiic1k8GQ pic.twitter.com/c8MN3EOlGG

— Bitcoinik (@Bitcoinikdotcom) May 8, 2024

It is worth it to note that Tesla CEO Elon Musk is one of the big advocates of free speech & censorship-free media. Musk also responded to raised concerns about the Signal app.

Yup, concerning

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 7, 2024

Read also: South Korea is paving the way for Asia’s first spot Bitcoin ETF

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Read on Bitcoinik Investment Disclaimer