Encrypted app Signal just hired one of Big Tech’s sharpest critics

> She is out to convince users to pay for the free app.

I would love to donate again...as soon as the crypto currency feature has been removed.

This served as a nice reminder to me to throw a donation their way (with my corporate match), though it is kinda silly that the only way to do so in-app is thru Google/Apple Pay (that's a Google/Apple problem, not a Signal problem).

It does raise questions for me about Signal's long-term financial model, though. They provide an enormously valuable global service, but the largest chunk of funding I've heard about is a $50M loan* from Acton... Given the bandwidth and overhead they must chew thru, I'm not clear on how sustainable it actually is...

* WP called it a loan. Signal Foundation calls it an investment.

Signal announcement:

https://www.signal.org/blog/announcing-signal-president/

Great hire! I hope she will do well.