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

Published

1 month ago

March 3, 2025

The privacy-focused messaging app Signal has seen a surge in popularity in the Dutch app stores, consistently ranking as the most downloaded free app on both iOS and Android platforms. This growth is attributed to its reputation as a privacy-friendly option, operated by a not-for-profit foundation with minimal metadata tracking.

Amidst increasing awareness of digital privacy concerns, Signal’s rise in the Netherlands stands out, with a significant increase in new registrations. Factors contributing to this growth include privacy awareness, distrust of big tech, and the vulnerability of digital communication.

Signal data from Sensor Tower
Image Credits:Sensor Tower / screenshot

AppFigures data shows a significant increase in Signal’s downloads in the Netherlands, with the app climbing the rankings rapidly to the top position by February. The app’s downloads have surged by 958% since December, indicating a strong growth trend in the country.

Factors contributing to Signal’s success include increased media coverage, a shift in public opinion towards privacy-friendly alternatives, and concerns over data protection practices of big tech companies. The app’s unwavering commitment to privacy and security has also resonated with users in the Netherlands and across Europe.

Signal of intent

Signal messaging application President Meredith Whittaker. — Signal President Meredith Whittaker at Web Summit, in Lisbon on November 4, 2022
**Image Credits:**PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP / Getty Images

While the Dutch market is just a part of the broader European landscape, the surge in Signal’s adoption in the Netherlands may indicate a growing trend towards privacy-focused communication tools across the continent as governments and users prioritize data protection.

Signal’s clear stance on privacy and encryption continues to attract users looking for secure communication platforms amidst growing concerns over data privacy and surveillance.

Whether the disruption or loophole is referred to as client-side scanning or the removal of encryption protections from certain features, similar to the situation with Apple in the U.K., remains to be seen.

In a separate interview with Swedish public broadcaster SVT, Whittaker stated that Signal would not adhere to a proposed Swedish law mandating messaging app developers to retain messages.

“In essence, this would require us to compromise the encryption that serves as the basis of our entire operation,” Whittaker explained. “Requesting us to store data would compromise our entire infrastructure, something we are not willing to do. We would prefer to exit the Swedish market altogether.”

DailyTech reached out to Signal for a statement, but had not received a response at the time of publication.