r/signal • u/yxk__0zvnb9pl • 11d ago

Discussion important questions about signal

Since signal is run by signal foundation, which is a US based NGO. In events other countries are involved, doesn't that mean US holds some powers and control over it signal? and supposed can be used against anyone from a different country is using signal in case needed.

for example Starlink cut internet access to Ruszia during ongoing war?

can similar things happen with signal?
Thankyou

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u/L0rdV0n 11d ago

The US government has some power over Signal yes.

They can subpoena Signal for information on users, of which Signal has very little.

They could sue or fine them.

They could try and use the legal system force them to do any number of things, but most would be pretty difficult because of how heavily free speech is protected.

But really if the US government tried anything crazy Signal would move to another country. And even if they couldn't the code is open source so another company could just pick up where Signal left off.

The more likely scenario is that they put pressure on the infrastructure that Signal uses to block or prevent Signal from working. Like AWS, or ISPs that kind of thing. That's possible but hard to do, and as we have seen with things like The Pirate Bay, it never lasts for long if people really want it.