Please add Signal app

tm225 · 2024-12-12T21:46:26+00:00

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With the recent news of potential cyber breach when texting between andriod and iphone we feel that Signal is imperative for security when texting between android and iphone. I tried to request the app via our Gabb account and it immediately came back with a message that Signal "does not meet Gabb's standards and criteria." For us…. If you do not add it we will definitely have to move our child to another service as we have a lot of iphones in our family. Thank you!

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Gabb Product

Hi @tm225,

Thank you for this post and expressing your concern. We hear you! We sincerely apologize that the Signal app or any other chat app cannot be approved. We take security and child safety very seriously and any app that allows chatting without our involvement could put our users at risk.

We are aware of the warning that has been released and actively looking into solutions at this time. Since the creation of the MMS/SMS texting standard, there has always been the reality that it is not encrypted. At Gabb we do monitoring of all messages sent and received to ensure we block anything unsafe for our users, and we will continue to always have that as a focus. If we determine to stop using MMS/SMS protocol in the future, we will ensure we do it in a way that meets our standards and criteria.

Thank you!

-Gabb Product Team

Gabe1104

Dear Gabb Product Team,

Thank you for your thoughtful response and for prioritizing child safety. I understand your concerns regarding chat apps, but I’d like to respectfully address why Signal Messenger would not only meet but exceed your stated safety and security standards—especially when compared to other messaging apps you currently allow, such as GroupMe and Band.

Unlike SMS/MMS and apps like GroupMe and Band, Signal provides end-to-end encryption by default. This ensures that no third party, including Signal itself, can access the content of messages. In contrast, I can see that you already allow other messaging apps like GroupMe and Band on your child App Store. GroupMe does not offer encryption, and Band’s security measures are limited to HTTPS for data transmission, leaving message content more vulnerable to breaches.

Signal’s design prioritizes privacy by collecting minimal user data—no contact lists, message content, or usage logs are stored on its servers. GroupMe, however, is owned by Microsoft, which collects and processes user data. Similarly, Band collects detailed information about users, including device data and activity logs, increasing potential privacy risks. If GroupMe and Band are deemed acceptable, Signal’s significantly higher privacy standards should also be considered appropriate.

By allowing such apps that lack encryption or have weaker privacy policies, Gabb already acknowledges the importance of providing communication tools despite their security limitations. Given Signal’s superior security architecture, it would align even more closely with Gabb’s mission to protect children while enabling secure communication.

While Gabb emphasizes monitoring for child safety, not all parents feel the need to filter their children's messages for profanity and harmful content, simply because some families are confident that no such content will exist. Given your Team's effort to provide flexibility to parents and children in allowing third-party apps, allowing Signal's messaging would not contradict Gabb's standards for safety. Rather, it would allow parents the ability to choose encrypted messaging for their children as they see fit.

By integrating Signal, Gabb would demonstrate leadership in adopting cutting-edge security practices. Signal is widely endorsed by cybersecurity experts, NGOs, and privacy-conscious institutions. This step would differentiate Gabb from competitors who rely on less secure messaging systems.

I urge you to revisit Signal as a potential addition to the Gabb App Store, especially considering the presence of less secure apps like GroupMe and Band. Adopting Signal would not only enhance your platform’s offerings but also reinforce Gabb’s commitment to the highest standards of child safety and digital privacy.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Gabe

Gabe1104

Hi there,

I’ve also requested the Signal app for Gabb users and would like Gabb to reconsider its stance on messaging apps.

Gabb cites child safety as the reason for restricting chat apps due to risks like unmoderated content. But how is relying on unsecured SMS any safer? SMS messages are vulnerable to interception by cybercriminals, putting all users—regardless of message content—at risk. Is Gabb’s SMS monitoring worth it if malicious parties can access sensitive information, from harmless details like a pet’s name all the way down to a child's home address?

It also seems inconsistent to prohibit a secure app like Signal while allowing unencrypted apps like GroupMe and Band. Doesn’t Gabb’s App Store exist to provide flexibility? Parents can decide which apps their children are ready for, so why not include Signal as an option for encrypted messaging?

Claiming Signal poses more risks than the current apps is unconvincing, especially given that many allowed apps involve communication between strangers and unmoderated user-generated content.

I share this not to criticize but to highlight the need for better privacy protection, especially in today’s cybersecurity landscape. I hope Gabb will reconsider allowing an encrypted messaging app like Signal soon.

Best,
Gabe

Gabb Product

Hello @Gabe1104,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. While we understand the benefits of encryption, Gabb prioritizes child safety by limiting unmoderated communication. Our approach ensures parents can guide their children’s digital interactions, which fully encrypted apps like Signal do not support.

Beyond encryption, we evaluate apps based on parental controls, moderation, and overall risk. At this time, Signal does not align with our safety standards. However, we appreciate your feedback and will continue refining our approach with families in mind!

Thank you,

-Gabb Product Team

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