GoKawiilSignal to adopt zero-knowledge proofs for phone-number-free registration
Signal is moving toward letting users register accounts without providing a phone number, using zero-knowledge proof cryptography to verify accounts without exposing identifying data. The technology mirrors methods Signal already uses for donation badges and group membership, where proofs confirm status without revealing which specific badge or group is involved.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Phone-number requirements have long been a friction point for privacy-conscious users who don't want to tie their identity to a messaging account. By extending zero-knowledge proofs to registration, Signal reinforces its architecture of minimizing server trust, meaning even if compelled by subpoena, the company would have less identifying metadata to hand over.
- Signal plans to support account registration without a phone number using zero-knowledge proofs.
- The same cryptographic technique already protects privacy in Signal's donation badges and group features.
- Reducing server-side knowledge limits what Signal could disclose even under legal subpoena.
Source: community.signalusers.org, 2026-09-13
Published there as: “Registration without a phone number on Signal will use zero-knowledge proofs”
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