Signal, an encrypted instant messaging platform, has hired Meredith Whittaker to be the company's first president.
For those who don't know, she is a former Google manager who has been vocal against the malpractices in the "Big Tech" industry. She also served as the former adviser of the Federal Trade Commission chair.
Signal Taps Meredith Whittaker to be the President
(Photo : Meredith Whittaker from Github)
The former Google manager is the first president of Signal.
Messaging apps are commonplace in social media, with the likes of iMessage and WhatsApp as the most popular among the current choices.
Although these two apps are the go-to options for chatting, some people are concerned about their data collection policies. With that in mind, some users tend to avoid using them so they cannot take advantage of their personal data.
However, Signal is one step ahead of them regarding safeguarding users' privacy. To prevent the unauthorized access of accounts on the platform, the company promotes it as an encrypting messaging platform.
Now with Whittaker in charge of building the new policies of the messaging app, Signal is in good hands now as it expands its service to its customers.
According to The Washington Post, Whittaker's tasks as the new president will involve strategizing and improving the communication in the company.
Signal as Nonprofit
Furthermore, she mentioned that her focus will revolve around sustaining the operation of Signal. In this regard, she will be seeking some help from the app users.
Whittaker is aware that maintaining an encrypting app is not easy. Annually, it costs the company tens of millions of dollars for the development alone.
Launched in 2014, Signal has quickly captured the interests of individuals who hugely value privacy. Since then, it has become a mainstay app for messaging among users.
Since it's run by a nonprofit, you won't see any sold ads that the company rolls out to sell its service. There's also no venture capital funding involved here. This is the one you won't find in some firms offering free apps, per The New York Times.
Regarding employment, Signal reportedly has around 40 people working on the app, per The New York Times. It's even lower compared to WhatsApp, which has hundreds of staff involved.
"Signal is more important now than ever, and I expect this to stay true well into the future. As President I will dedicate myself to helping Signal build a long taproot so it can grow and thrive in dynamic climates," Whittaker said in the latest blog.
She will be stepping in as the Signal's President on Monday, Sept. 12.
Related Article: Signal App Owner: Who is Moxie Marlinspike, Country of Origin, and His Take on End-to-End Encryption
Who is Whittaker Before She Joins Signal?
Before becoming the first president of Signal, Whittaker served on the board of the nonprofit since 2020. She has become the symbol of activism in the tech industry.
She was against Google's wrongful practices toward its employees. After this controversy, the search engine giant kicked her out of the company.
Whittaker co-founded an AI-centered foundation to raise awareness about the social implications of this technology. She's one of the reasons why the AI Now Institute was established.
Read Also: Encrypted App 'Signal' Now Working on Instagram Feature Stories
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Written by Joseph Henry
