But Signal is an unusual tech success story. Owned by a nonprofit and funded by grants from the likes of WhatsApp cofounder Brian Acton and the Knight Foundation, the app maker hasn't expressed any plans to raise venture capital or cash-in on its popularity. All the code it writes, including its core encryption protocols, are open source and free for anybody to use.
"I actually think that what we're doing is extremely normal, and it's everything else that is absolutely insane," Marlinspike said. Marlinspike wants Signal to be a standard-bearer for privacy as other apps increasingly rely on the monetization of people's personal data. He sees a shifting tide in public opinion towards tech companies, with the optimism of the early 2010s usurped by growing consumer mistrust and a desire for privacy.
As Signal's popularity grows, Marlinspike hinted that the company might eventually move into other products products beyond a messaging app.
CaitlinLong_ They all say a founder donated 50 million but I just learned that it was a loan.... And that the founders ate working for a company that is hired by the Signal foundation, so the 50 million loan is so Signal can pay the company where the founders work for... amazing
good