WhatsApp Competitor Signal Tests In-App Peer-to-Peer Crypto Payments

Bhushan Akolkar
April 7, 2021
Why Trust CoinGape
CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

Signal App, the recently popular WhatsApp competitor, and end-to-end encrypted messaging app is pushing up the envelope and planning to test in-app crypto payments. The new feature called Signal Payments is currently in the beta version and allows its users to send money in digital currencies to friends and family.

Signal said that the feature is currently available only in the UK and currently supports a privacy-focused payments network called MobileCoin, having its own native currency called MOB. The official announcement from Singal reads:

“Signal Payments makes it easy to link a MobileCoin wallet to Signal so you can start sending funds to friends and family, receive funds from them, keep track of your balance, and review your transaction history with a simple interface.

As always, our goal is to keep your data in your hands rather than ours; MobileCoin’s design means Signal does not have access to your balance, full transaction history, or funds. You can also transfer your funds at any time if you want to switch to another app or service”.

Taking Up The Competition Bar Higher

Recently, the Singal app gained a lot of traction when Facebook-owned WhatsApp announced tweaking its policies with user data accessibility. Facebook has been having a bad reputation so far with handling user data with multiple major leaks in the last few years.

The news of tweaking WhatsApp policy irked its users and even billionaires like Elon Musk asked his followers to move away from the platform while rooting for Signal. Since then, Signal has seen strong traction of new users joining its platform.

It looks like Signal now wants to take the competition to the next level. Integrating crypto payments is certainly a smart move as most online users now want to be a part of the crypto world that gives them better control over their money. On the other hand, Facebook has been struggling to get the regulatory breakthrough with its Diem project, earlier Libra.

It will be interesting to see how sooner do other messaging platforms integrate crypto payments.

Advertisement
coingape google news coingape google news
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Bhushan is a seasoned crypto writer with over eight years of experience spanning more than 10,000 contributions across multiple platforms like CoinGape, CoinSpeaker, Bitcoinist, Crypto News Flash, and others. Being a Fintech enthusiast, he loves reporting across Crypto, Blockchain, DeFi, Global Macros with a keen understanding in financial markets. 

He is committed to continuous learning and stays motivated by sharing the knowledge he acquires. In his free time, Bhushan enjoys reading thriller fiction novels and occasionally explores his culinary skills. Bhushan has a bachelors degree in electronics engineering, however, his interest in finance and economics drives him to crypto and blockchain.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.