Signal Ranks as the Top Downloaded Application in the Netherlands: A Comparative Analysis.

Privacy-focused messaging app Signal has been dominating the Dutch app stores recently, consistently ranking as the most downloaded free app on iOS and Android. This surge in popularity can be attributed to Signal’s reputation as a privacy-friendly option, operated by a non-profit foundation with a focus on user privacy and minimal metadata tracking.

Signal’s prominence in the Netherlands has seen a significant increase in new registrations, with a 958% rise in downloads between December and February. This growth can be linked to a growing awareness of privacy issues, a distrust of big tech companies, and a realization of the vulnerabilities in digital communication.

The Rise of Signal in the Netherlands
According to data provided by app intelligence firm Appfigures, Signal’s ascent in the Netherlands has been remarkable. The app’s position in the rankings rose from 365th among non-game iPhone apps to the top spot within a matter of weeks. This growth has been sustained, with Signal consistently maintaining its position at the top amidst competition from similar-sized neighboring markets.

Reasons for Signal’s Success in the Netherlands
The surge in Signal’s popularity in the Netherlands can be attributed to a combination of factors. Rejo Zenger, senior policy advisor at Dutch digital rights foundation Bits of Freedom, highlighted the public debate around tech dominance and data protection abuse as key drivers of Signal’s adoption. Vincent Böhre, director at Dutch privacy organization Privacy First, also noted increased media coverage and a broader shift in public opinion towards privacy-focused digital tools.

Overall, the growing awareness of privacy issues, combined with a general distrust of big tech companies in the Netherlands, has created a favorable environment for Signal’s success in the region. As the app continues to gain traction, it serves as a clear signal of the increasing demand for secure and privacy-focused communication platforms in today’s digital landscape.
“Since the re-election of Trump in the U.S. a few months ago, there has been a significant amount of criticism directed towards Trump and Elon Musk in Dutch and European mainstream media, along with American Big Tech companies that now appear to be supportive of Trump,” Böhre revealed to TechCrunch. Critiques of companies like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta have become prevalent in Dutch media, leading to a shift in public opinion in the Netherlands. Even individuals who previously had little interest in privacy and security concerns on social media platforms are now showing interest in “privacy-friendly” alternatives, particularly Signal.

Signal of Intent

The recent surge in Signal adoption in the Netherlands, a market of 18 million people within a European population exceeding 700 million, may indicate a broader trend across the continent as governments aim to address privacy issues. For instance, Apple made the decision to remove end-to-end encryption from iCloud in the U.K. in response to government attempts to introduce a backdoor. During RightsCon 2025 in Taiwan, President Meredith Whittaker reiterated Signal’s firm commitment to privacy.

Whittaker emphasized Signal’s unwavering stance on privacy, stating, “We will not compromise the strong privacy and security guarantees that our users rely on, regardless of whether it involves client-side scanning or stripping encryption protections similar to what Apple was compelled to do in the U.K.” Additionally, in an interview with Swedish public broadcaster SVT, Whittaker stated that Signal would not adhere to a proposed Swedish law mandating message storage by messaging app developers.

“In essence, this would require us to undermine the encryption that forms the core of our business,” Whittaker explained. “Forcing us to store data would disrupt our entire framework, something we refuse to do. We would rather exit the Swedish market entirely.” Despite TechCrunch’s attempt to reach out to Signal for a comment, no response had been received at the time of publication.