Signal has introduced a username-based registration system in its latest Android beta version. This update allows users to create accounts without providing a phone number, a feature long requested by privacy-focused users who previously had to link their mobile numbers to the service.
The new registration method requires a one-time fee of $3. Upon payment, users receive a unique account ID and password for login. This fee is intended to deter scammers and spammers from creating large numbers of fraudulent accounts on the platform.
To maintain user privacy, the payment process utilizes a zero-knowledge proof mechanism, identical to the one used for Signal donations. This ensures that payment details are not linked to the user's account, preventing the company from associating financial information with specific profiles.
