Signal is the number-one downloaded app in the Netherlands. But why?

Privacy-focused messaging app Signal has surged in popularity in the Dutch app stores, becoming the most downloaded free app on iOS and Android due to its reputation as a privacy-friendly option with minimal metadata tracking. The app’s growth in the Netherlands has been attributed to a combination of factors including growing privacy awareness, distrust of big tech, and vulnerability in digital communication. Signal’s downloads in the country have skyrocketed by 958% since December 2024, outpacing growth in neighboring markets, amidst increased public debate around data protection and a shift in public opinion towards privacy-focused technologies.

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