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Signal is the number-one downloaded app in the Netherlands. But why? | TechCrunch

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Signal has been flying high in the Dutch app stores this past month .

The privacy-focused messaging app is the most downloaded free app on iOS and Android for all categories.

Signal has experienced surges in popularity through the years , often in response to policy changes at rivals like WhatsApp or geopolitical events.

It's operated by a not-for-profit foundation rather than a private business known for monetizing data.

Signal says it won't backend end-to-end encryption in the U.K. and Sweden .

The company says it will not backend privacy protections in Sweden .

A surge in the Dutch market could be seen as a bellwether for privacy sentiment across Europe .