Signal cannot be used to call emergency services (such as 911 or 112), and the company advises users to maintain access to traditional phone services for emergencies.
This analysis describes what Signal's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision establishes the operational scope of Signal's service delivery by explicitly excluding emergency service connectivity as a function within the platform. The clause defines a material boundary of service capability that affects service design and user expectations regarding service functionality.
Signal calls do not connect to emergency services; users who primarily use Signal for calling should ensure they have an alternative means of contacting emergency services, particularly if they do not maintain a traditional mobile or landline subscription.
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"Our Services do not provide access to emergency service providers like the police, fire department, hospitals, or other public safety organizations. Make sure you can contact emergency service providers through a mobile, fixed-line telephone, or other service.— Excerpt from Signal's Signal Privacy Policy
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: The FCC requires providers of interconnected VoIP services to support Enhanced 911 (E911), but Signal's end-to-end encrypted calling service may not be classified as an interconnected VoIP service subject to these requirements. The FTC's consumer protection authority is relevant where safety limitations are not adequately disclosed. This provision constitutes appropriate disclosure of a known safety limitation. GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: Low. The provision is a standard and legally appropriate disclosure for internet-based calling services that do not support PSTN interconnection. The safety risk is real but the disclosure is clear and actionable. JURISDICTION FLAGS: EU member states and the UK have regulatory frameworks for emergency services access by communications providers; whether Signal's calling service falls within those frameworks depends on its classification under local electronic communications law. CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: Organizations deploying Signal as a primary communications tool should ensure employees are aware of this limitation and have access to emergency services through alternative means. COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Organizations in sectors with duty-of-care obligations (healthcare, education, social services) should formally assess whether Signal deployment as a primary communication tool is compatible with those obligations given the emergency services limitation.
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This provision establishes the operational scope of Signal's service delivery by explicitly excluding emergency service connectivity as a function within the platform. The clause defines a material boundary of service capability that affects service design and user expectations regarding service functionality.
Signal calls do not connect to emergency services; users who primarily use Signal for calling should ensure they have an alternative means of contacting emergency services, particularly if they do not maintain a traditional mobile or landline subscription.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Signal.