Clear Signal
Signal, a privacy-focused messaging app, has been flying high in the Dutch app stores, often sitting at the top as the most downloaded free app on iOS and Android across all categories, according to data from multiple app-tracking platforms such as Sensor Tower.
Growing Awareness of Privacy
The app has experienced surges in popularity over the years, often in response to policy changes at rivals like WhatsApp or geopolitical events. That’s because Signal has made a name for itself as a more privacy-friendly option, operated by a not-for-profit foundation rather than a private business focused on monetizing data. Moreover, Signal tracks minimal metadata.
Why the Netherlands?
In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Signal President Meredith Whittaker noted that the number of "new registrations" in the Netherlands was higher this year by a factor of 25, though it’s not clear what the exact comparative period of time is for this data.
Growing Awareness of Risks
When asked why the Netherlands has seen such growth, Whittaker pointed to a combination of factors: "Growing awareness of privacy, distrust of big tech, and the political reality in which people realize how vulnerable digital communication can be."
Data Insights
Data provided to TechCrunch from app intelligence firm AppFigures charts Signal’s rise in the Netherlands. Per its data, Signal ranked 365th among non-game iPhone apps in the Netherlands on January 1 and did not appear in the top overall apps list. Then, starting around January 5, it began to climb the rankings, reaching the top position by February 2.
Sustained Growth
Signal has dipped in and out of the lead in the intervening weeks, spending around half of February at the summit — including each day since February 22. Digging deeper into the data, AppFigures estimates that combined downloads across Apple and Google’s app stores totaled around 22,000 in December 2024. This jumped to 99,000 in January and soared to 233,000 through February — a 958% rise since December.
Why is Signal So Popular in the Netherlands?
Rejo Zenger, senior policy advisor at Dutch digital rights foundation Bits of Freedom, said that while it’s difficult to pinpoint one specific reason, he’s not surprised. Recent developments in the U.S. have seen the big platform providers align with the new Trump administration, and this has stoked significant public and media debate. Europe’s reliance on technology from huge private U.S. companies has become a focal point in that debate.
The Shift in Public Opinion
Vincent Böhre, director at Dutch privacy organization Privacy First, also pointed to increased media coverage and a broader shift in public opinion. "Ever since Trump was re-elected in the U.S. a few months ago, there has been a lot of ‘bashing’ of Trump and [Elon] Musk in Dutch — and European — mainstream media, including bashing of American Big Tech companies, which now seem to be supportive of Trump," Böhre said.
Signal’s Stance on Privacy
Speaking at RightsCon 25 in Taiwan this week, Whittaker reaffirmed Signal’s unwavering stance on privacy. "Signal’s position on this is very clear –- we will not walk-back, adulterate, or otherwise perturb the robust privacy and security guarantees that people depend on," Whittaker said.
Conclusion
The Netherlands’ surge in adoption of Signal could signal a broader trend across the continent, especially as governments seek to bring down privacy barriers. While the Netherlands is just one market of 18 million people in a European population of more than 700 million, its surge in adoption could be a harbinger of things to come.
FAQs
Q: What is Signal?
A: Signal is a privacy-focused messaging app operated by a not-for-profit foundation.
Q: Why is Signal popular in the Netherlands?
A: The app’s popularity in the Netherlands can be attributed to growing awareness of privacy, distrust of big tech, and the political reality in which people realize how vulnerable digital communication can be.
Q: What is the current ranking of Signal in the Netherlands?
A: According to data from AppFigures, Signal ranked 365th among non-game iPhone apps in the Netherlands on January 1 and did not appear in the top overall apps list, but it began to climb the rankings, reaching the top position by February 2.
Q: What is the current growth rate of Signal in the Netherlands?
A: According to AppFigures, combined downloads across Apple and Google’s app stores totaled around 22,000 in December 2024, which jumped to 99,000 in January and soared to 233,000 through February — a 958% rise since December.
