Signal's founder Marlinspike steps down as CEO of messaging app

Moxie Marlinspike, the longtime chief executive officer of the encrypted messaging app Signal, announced that he is replacing himself.

Marlinspike, who started Signal in 2014, said he would transition out of the top job in the next month, but would remain on the board. Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp who is also on Signal’s board, will serve as interim CEO.

“It’s a new year, and I’ve decided it’s a good time to replace myself,” Marlinspike wrote in a blog post on Monday. “It has always been my goal for Signal to grow and sustain beyond my involvement.”

Signal has long been popular with