Privacy Messaging App Signal Enables Crypto Donations

Encrypted messaging app Signal is now accepting cryptocurrency donations from users who wish to support the platform.

Users Can Donate to Signal With Cryptocurrency 

In a tweet on Monday (Mar. 15, 2021), the non-profit organization behind the Signal app stated that it was accepting donations in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The messaging app stated:

“As a nonprofit organization, we depend on your support. If you’ve been patiently waiting for Signal to accept cryptocurrency donations, you no longer need to hodl back your generosity.”

According to the donate section on its website, Signal Technology Foundation said users can support its mission by donating with any of the listed 12 cryptocurrencies. Some of them include major cryptos such as bitcoin BTC), and ether(ETH), as well as others such as bitcoin cash (BCH), basic attention token (BAT), litecoin (LTC), Zcash (ZEC), and stablecoin Gemini dollar (GUSD). 

Also, the crypto payments would be processed via the Giving Block, a platform that facilitates cryptocurrency donations for nonprofits and charities. Donors in the U.S. who wish to receive a tax deduction for their cryptocurrency donations can provide their email address to receive a tax receipt. Users can also choose to donate anonymously. 

As previously reported by BTCManager in January 2021, Signal was reportedly looking to include cryptocurrency payment options on its platform. According to the report, the platform conducted an experiment on MobileCoin, privacy-centric crypto developed by the Stellar blockchain. 

Signal gained popularity in Hong Kong back in July 2020 following the passage of national security law. The app also witnessed a surge in downloads in January after WhatsApp amended its policy, causing privacy concerns. 

Meanwhile, there are recent reports that China reportedly blocked Signal, with users in the country only being able to access the app through a virtual private network (VPN). Prior to the action, Signal was one of the few foreign platforms that were not banned by China’s great firewall.

Apart from Signal, other messaging apps have also adopted cryptocurrency on their platforms. One of them is the major Japanese instant messaging app LINE, which launched a crypto wallet for its users back in 2020, allowing users to manage cryptocurrencies.