The open-source encrypted messaging app, Signal, is rolling out support for secure group calls. You can now make encrypted group video calls with up to five other people on the app.

Encrypted Group Video Calls Arrive on Signal

Signal has been revered as one of the most secure messaging apps, with technology experts praising it for its privacy. The app operates with end-to-end encryption, preventing anyone from reading your messages or listening in on your calls.

Now, the same end-to-end encryption that Signal uses for messages and calls is coming to group video chats. Signal announced the exciting news in a post on the Signal Blog, noting that "group calls are free, private, and end-to-end encrypted—like everything else on Signal.

Whistleblower and privacy advocate, Edward Snowden, even expressed his excitement over the change. He sent out a Tweet saying that he's "been waiting for this for a very long time."

Once you download the updated version of Signal, you can start making encrypted video calls. Simply start up a group chat, and you'll see a new video calling icon at the top of the screen.

Tap the icon, and all of the members of the chat will receive a notification that you started a video call. From there, your friends can hop in and out of the call, all while the chat is protected by end-to-end encryption.

Signal will display callers in a grid format on your screen, however, you can change this by swiping up on your screen. This will let you display only the person who is currently speaking, and the view "will update in real-time as the active speaker changes."

Signal Stands as a More Secure Option for Video Calls

Video calling became essential during pandemic-related lockdowns, and we've seen quite a few platforms add support for video calls. Facebook launched the group video calling feature, Messenger Rooms, in April 2020, and even Telegram managed to roll out encrypted one-on-one video calls.

And although Zoom largely dominated the video conferencing market, it was still under scrutiny for falsely claiming that it offered end-to-end encryption. Zoom eventually added this feature, but the fact remains that the company deceived its users for months.

That aside, Signal is definitely a platform to consider when making your next group video call. It serves as a trustworthy alternative and doesn't put your privacy at risk. Signal may only allow you to make group calls with only five people right now, but it has plans to increase that number in the future.