Signal Rolls Out Much-Awaited Feature Upgrade

### Quick Summary
– Signal introduces end-to-end encrypted backups using a zero-knowledge architecture protected by a 64-character recovery key.
– the free tier backs up full message history plus 45 days of media; the $1.99/month paid plan unlocks unlimited media storage and daily auto-backups.
– Backups refresh every 24 hours, omitting view-once messages and deleted items, ensuring privacy considerations.
– The feature is initially available for Android beta users, with plans to expand to stable apps on Android, iOS, and desktop.

[Read More](https://www.howtogeek.com/signal-finaly-gets-a-long-awaited-feature/)

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### Indian Opinion Analysis
Signal’s move toward encrypted backups addresses one of its major competitive disadvantages against apps like WhatsApp. This “zero-knowledge” approach ensures user data sovereignty by making the company entirely blind to backup contents-aligning well with growing global concerns about privacy in digital communication.

For indian users-a population heavily reliant on messaging apps-this new feature could boost confidence in Signal’s security credentials. Though, the introduction of a paid tier raises questions about accessibility for price-sensitive markets like India where most users balk at subscription costs despite low pricing (₹165/month). If implemented effectively across platforms without compromising usability or affordability, this update may drive further adoption among privacy-minded Indians but perhaps alienate budget-conscious segments.

Moreover, as digital privacy laws evolve globally-and particularly post India’s Personal Data Protection Bill deliberations-end-to-end encrypted services are poised for increased scrutiny. Signal’s focus on transparency and user responsibility sets an important benchmark amid debates over user accountability versus company intervention in safeguarding data breaches or lost access scenarios.