The privacy-focused messaging app Signal has been gaining significant traction in the Dutch app stores, consistently ranking as the most downloaded free app on both iOS and Android devices across all categories, according to data from app-tracking platforms like Sensor Tower.

Signal’s popularity has surged in the past due to policy changes at rival messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, or geopolitical events. The app’s reputation as a more privacy-friendly option, operated by a non-profit foundation based in the U.S., has contributed to its growth. Signal tracks minimal metadata, making it a more appealing choice for users concerned about data privacy.

In 2025, with the new U.S. president having a close relationship with Big Tech, digital privacy tools are experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly in Europe, which has been a subject of President Trump’s criticism.

Notably, Signal’s growth has been substantial in the Netherlands, where it has been at the top of the charts for several weeks. In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Signal president Meredith Whittaker mentioned that new registrations in the Netherlands were 25 times higher this year, although the exact comparative period is unclear.

Whittaker attributed the growth to a combination of factors, including increasing awareness of privacy concerns, distrust of big tech companies, and the political climate. Data from app intelligence firm AppFigures shows that Signal’s rise in the Netherlands began around January 5 and reached the top spot by February 2, with the app spending around half of February at the summit.

The total number of downloads in the Netherlands increased significantly, from 22,000 in December 2024 to 99,000 in January and 233,000 in February, representing a 958% rise. While some of this growth may be due to Signal’s lower saturation in the market, its sustained position at the top of the charts is notable, with no other markets coming close to the Netherlands in terms of growth.

For comparison, Belgium saw a 250% growth in downloads, Sweden a 153% growth, and Denmark a 95% growth. The reasons behind Signal’s mass adoption in the Netherlands are not entirely clear, but factors such as media-driven increased awareness and a broader shift in public opinion may be contributing to its success.

Clear signal

Rejo Zenger, senior policy advisor at Dutch digital rights foundation Bits of Freedom, believes that the public debate in the Netherlands has become more pronounced, with people realizing the risks associated with relying on infrastructure provided by dominant tech companies. This has led to a shift in public opinion, with people seeking more privacy-friendly alternatives like Signal.

Vincent Böhre, director at Dutch privacy organization Privacy First, attributes the growth to a media-driven increase in awareness and a broader shift in public opinion, particularly since Trump’s re-election in the U.S. The Dutch media has been critical of American Big Tech companies, leading to a surge in interest in privacy-friendly alternatives.

Signal of intent

The surge in Signal’s popularity in the Netherlands could be seen as a bellwether for sentiment across Europe, particularly as governments seek to bring down privacy barriers. Apple’s recent decision to pull end-to-end encryption from iCloud in the U.K. to counter government efforts to install a backdoor has highlighted the ongoing debate around data privacy.

Signal president Meredith Whittaker has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to privacy, stating that it will not compromise on encryption or store user data. In an interview with Swedish public broadcaster SVT, Whittaker said that Signal would rather leave the Swedish market than acquiesce to a proposed new law requiring messaging app-makers to store messages.

TechCrunch reached out to Signal for comment but had not heard back at the time of publishing. The company’s stance on privacy has been consistent, with Whittaker emphasizing that Signal will not walk back its robust privacy and security guarantees, even if it means leaving a market.