Leaked phone data hints Mark Zuckerberg uses encrypted messaging app Signal

Despite owning some of the world’s most popular messaging platforms, Mark Zuckerberg may rely on a rival service for private conversations. 

Leaked phone data has suggested that the Meta CEO uses Signal, a secure messaging app known for its strong focus on privacy.

The claim surfaced after cybersecurity researcher Dave Walker reviewed data from a massive Facebook leak dating back to 2019. 

The breach has exposed personal information linked to around 533 million users worldwide. According to Walker, Zuckerberg was among those affected by the leak.

In a post on social media, Walker said he found that a phone number associated with Zuckerberg appeared to be registered on Signal. 

While Walker partially redacted the number, he noted that it matched a Signal account, an app that offers end-to-end encryption and is often seen as a competitor to WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta.

Facebook later confirmed that the vulnerability used to collect the data had been fixed. 

However, the company declined to comment on whether Zuckerberg’s personal details were included in the leaked information.

Meanwhile, Signal responded to the discovery with a light-hearted post, sharing a link to a report about Zuckerberg’s alleged Signal use and joking that he was “leading by example” ahead of WhatsApp’s privacy policy update.

The incident has renewed public debate around privacy, data security, and the choices tech leaders make for their own communications.