Mark Zuckerberg is using Signal, according to phone number leaked in Facebook hack

Yes, he does own WhatsApp, its main competitor
By Christianna Silva  on 
Mark Zuckerberg is using Signal, according to phone number leaked in Facebook hack

Mark Zuckerberg is just like us.

Well, only in that he also appears to be using the secure messaging app Signal, despite owning WhatsApp, one of its largest competitors.

Cybersecurity researcher Dave Walker discovered that the Facebook CEO was among the 533 million users whose personal information was leaked online after a Facebook hack in 2019.

"Regarding the #FacebookLeak, of the 533M people in the leak — the irony is that Mark Zuckerberg is regrettably included in the leak as well," Walker tweeted. He redacted part of Zuckerberg's number, but says he found that Zuckerberg's leaked phone number was associated with a Signal account — the chat app that has end-to-end encryption and is a direct competitor to Facebook's WhatsApp.

The method used to obtain the private information from Facebook has been patched, a company spokesperson confirmed to Mashable. But the spokesperson did not comment about whether Zuckerberg's information was among the data that was leaked.

In response to Walker's discovery, Signal had a little fun, tweeting a link to a story about Zuckerberg's Signal account, writing, "With the May 15th WhatsApp Terms of Service acceptance deadline fast approaching, Mark leads by example."

WhatsApp's updated privacy policy — which was initially planned to be implemented on Feb. 8 but was put on hold after public backlash — includes changes "related to optional business features on WhatsApp, and provides further transparency about how we collect and use data," WhatsApp said in a blog post. The update will not affect "the privacy and security" of personal messages and calls, which will still be protected by end-to-end encryption, according to the post.

Users who don't accept the WhatsApp changes will not be able to read or send messages, but will be able to receive calls and notifications for "a short time." If you're affected by the changes, you can always delete your account, download a report of it, export your chat history, and head to another chat service with end-to-end encryption.

Topics Facebook

Mashable Image
Christianna Silva
Senior Culture Reporter

Christianna Silva is a Senior Culture Reporter at Mashable. They write about tech and digital culture, with a focus on Facebook and Instagram. Before joining Mashable, they worked as an editor at NPR and MTV News, a reporter at Teen Vogue and VICE News, and as a stablehand at a mini-horse farm. You can follow them on Twitter @christianna_j.


Recommended For You
The world of Roblox accessories is betting big on young, Black creators
A collage of Roblox hair accessories and avatars on a blue, cyberlike background.

Don't feel like cooking? Collect the best DoorDash promo codes of the week.
Illustration of DoorDash logo on a smartphone.

How to download songs from Spotify
The Spotify logo on a completely black phone screen. A pair of white wired earbuds rests on the phone.

Elon Musk's X tests 'adult content' label for X-rated Communities
X logo

How to take a screenshot on a Mac
An out of focus man holding an in focus Macbook.

More in Tech
How to watch Alabama vs. Clemson basketball without cable
Chase Hunter #1 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with his teammate Ian Schieffelin #4 celebrates after defeating the Arizona Wildcats during the second half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Crypto.com Arena on March 28, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. The Clemson Tigers won 77-72.

How to watch UConn vs. Illinois basketball without cable
Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies reacts against the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at TD Garden on March 28, 2024, in Boston, Massachusetts.

How to watch 'Lisa Frankenstein' at home: When is it streaming?
Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse in 'Lisa Frankenstein'


How to watch Gonzaga vs. Purdue basketball without cable
Purdue Boilermakers guard Lance Jones (55) starts a fast break during the Purdue Boilermakers versus the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the NCAA Division I Championship on March 24, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 29
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 29
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 29
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

'The Crow' soundtrack turns 30: Looking back on the album that defined an era
Composite of images of Brandon Lee, Rob Zombie, Trent Reznor, and Robert Smith of The Cure.

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 28
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!