Telegram added 25 million new users in 72 hours while Signal collected 7.5 million downloads amid a backlash over competitor WhatsApp’s new requirement.
Consequently, Telegram amassed 500 million active users, while Signal posted a 4,200 percent user increase, according to data analytics company Sensor Tower.
WhatsApp told users last week to let parent company Facebook and its subsidiaries collect their data, such as phone numbers and locations, before Feb. 8 or lose access to the app.
The new terms triggered criticisms and raised questions on its intent.
Since the backlash, WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart clarified that the policy update describes business communication and adds transparency while assuring that the change does not impact private communications with friends or family.
WhatsApp described the privacy concerns as rumors, adding that it will continue to protect private messages with end-to-end encryption.
However, many did not appear to buy WhatsApp's explanation, triggering a switch to rival apps Telegram and Signal.
However, WhatsApp remains the world's largest messaging app with more than 2 billion users.


Alphabet’s Massive AI Spending Surge Signals Confidence in Google’s Growth Engine
FDA Targets Hims & Hers Over $49 Weight-Loss Pill, Raising Legal and Safety Concerns
TSMC Eyes 3nm Chip Production in Japan with $17 Billion Kumamoto Investment
Ford and Geely Explore Strategic Manufacturing Partnership in Europe
Nintendo Shares Slide After Earnings Miss Raises Switch 2 Margin Concerns
Anthropic Eyes $350 Billion Valuation as AI Funding and Share Sale Accelerate
Sony Q3 Profit Jumps on Gaming and Image Sensors, Full-Year Outlook Raised
Uber Ordered to Pay $8.5 Million in Bellwether Sexual Assault Lawsuit
SpaceX Pushes for Early Stock Index Inclusion Ahead of Potential Record-Breaking IPO
Australian Scandium Project Backed by Richard Friedland Poised to Support U.S. Critical Minerals Stockpile
Rio Tinto Shares Hit Record High After Ending Glencore Merger Talks
Once Upon a Farm Raises Nearly $198 Million in IPO, Valued at Over $724 Million
Nasdaq Proposes Fast-Track Rule to Accelerate Index Inclusion for Major New Listings
Amazon Stock Rebounds After Earnings as $200B Capex Plan Sparks AI Spending Debate
AMD Shares Slide Despite Earnings Beat as Cautious Revenue Outlook Weighs on Stock
Global PC Makers Eye Chinese Memory Chip Suppliers Amid Ongoing Supply Crunch
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Says AI Investment Boom Is Just Beginning as NVDA Shares Surge 



