Signal's early funding source is public record, https://www.opentech.fund/projects-we-support/supported-proj...

Double Ratchet [1] is also used by WhatsApp (2B+ users) and IETF MLS [2] standard for E2EE group messaging.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Ratchet_Algorithm

[2] https://www.ietf.org/blog/mls-secure-and-usable-end-to-end-e...

The US government likes funding encrypted communication channels because it helps destabilize the kinds of dictators that eavesdrop on dissidents.

and it's useful for tradecraft. I think NSA uses Tor to some degree, for example.

I suspect most Tor exit nodes are controlled by the US government and/or its allied governments. It doesn't make much sense for anybody else to run an exit node because your IP gets banned by much of the internet and you get unwanted visits from law enforcement.

"What kinds of people operate tor exit nodes and why do they do it" is one of those questions that I know I'm not even supposed to admit being curious about, let alone ask, in the company of people who are most capable of accurately answering.

I operate one. The sole aim is to enable the Tor network to exist. I believe in the principle of private communication.

Tor was invented within the US military and was sponsored by the state department.

funded != built ?