signum
Signal is a cross-platform encrypted messaging service developed by the Signal Foundation and Signal Messenger LLC. It uses the Internet to send one-to-one and group messages, which can include files, voice notes, images and videos. Its mobile apps can also make one-to-one voice and video calls, and the Android version can optionally function as an SMS app.
Signo utitur norma telephonica cellulosa numeris identificantibus et encryptio fine utitur ad omnes communicationes in aliis usoribus signum significationis adhibendis. The apps include mechanisms by which users can independently verify the identity of their contacts and the integrity of the data channel.
All Signal software is free and open-source. The clients are published under the GPLv3 license, while the server code is published under the AGPLv3 license.
Yes having a phone number in order to register an account is a trade. Aliud signum est omnino liberum et phantasticum jocus tradendi pro whatsapp (quod pertinet ad omnia de te et vende-advertisers Facebook).
Signal requires you to have a mobile phone number in order to register an account with them. For that matter I do not see it as fully trade-free.