Source URL: https://yro.slashdot.org/story/25/09/08/1824254/signal-rolls-out-encrypted-cloud-backups-debuts-first-subscription-plan-at-199month?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: Signal Rolls Out Encrypted Cloud Backups, Debuts First Subscription Plan at $1.99/Month
Feedly Summary:
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: Signal’s introduction of end-to-end encrypted cloud backups is a significant advancement for user privacy and data security. This feature not only allows individuals to recover lost message histories but does so while maintaining the integrity of user privacy through its encryption protocols.
Detailed Description:
Signal’s latest update, rolled out in its Android beta release, signifies a major move towards enhancing user privacy and data protection. With the introduction of end-to-end encrypted cloud backups, the app aims to safeguard users’ messages while ensuring they can recover their data if their device is lost or damaged. Here are the key points regarding this feature:
– **Opt-in Feature**: Users have the option to enable encrypted cloud backups, giving them control over their data management.
– **Backup Contents**: Free backups encompass all text messages and media attachments (up to 45 days). This is pertinent for users who may lose essential communications and wish to retain them.
– **Paid Subscription**: For $1.99 a month, users can expand their media storage capacity up to 100GB, addressing the need for managing larger amounts of data securely.
– **Recovery Key**: Users must generate a unique 64-character recovery key on their devices, emphasizing the security aspect since Signal’s servers do not have access to this key.
– **Backup Management**: Backups are refreshed daily, while certain message types (view-once and disappearing messages) are excluded, which is a significant consideration in terms of privacy compliance.
– **Nonprofit Status**: The organization cited its need for a paid tier to manage storage costs, a point reflecting on the sustainability of privacy-centric services.
– **Future Releases**: iOS and Desktop applications are set to follow, indicating Signal’s commitment to broadening this feature’s availability across platforms.
This update marks a critical development in cloud computing security and privacy, positioning Signal as a leader in protecting user data through robust encryption and compliance practices. The emphasis on user-controlled recovery mechanisms adds layers of security that are vital in today’s digital communications landscape.