The release also included support for the Signal Protocol’s numeric fingerprint called safety numbers. “Disappearing messages gives users the additional option to automate the clean up of message history on their own devices as well,” Marlinspike said.

Messages sent through the application are end-to-end encrypted, and Marlinspike said messages-even encrypted versions-are not stored on Signal servers after they’ve been delivered. “They are a collaborative feature for conversations where all participants want to automate minimalist data hygiene, not for situations where your contact is your adversary - after all, if someone who receives a disappearing message really wants a record of it, they can always use another camera to take a photo of the screen before the message disappears.” “Disappearing messages are a way for you and your friends to keep your message history tidy,” Marlinspike said. Marlinspike said the timer values give users a range of options for ephemeral message history. It can be enabled in iOS in individual conversations by tapping on the contact’s name, and via the menu tab on Android devices. The feature was added to Signal’s iOS, Android and desktop versions a timer can be set that will clear messages any time between five seconds to one week once a message is opened. And while developer Moxie Marlinspike said the feature won’t necessarily offer additional protection against adversaries conducting surveillance, it is a security enhancement that delivers security in case a device is lost or stolen. The Signal encrypted messaging application on Tuesday added disappearing messages to its array of privacy features.ĭisappearing messages gives users the ability to designate how long conversations live on respective devices.

Disappearing messages on signal