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Why reinvent the wheel? Signal does the job, doesn't store data, not even metadata, and can be used immediately.
by xmdx 7y ago
Why reinvent the wheel?
Signal does the job, doesn't store data, not even metadata, and can be used immediately.
- deleted 7y ago[deleted]
- Zenst 7y agoIt's a wheel that they do not have any control over, from source, hosting and distribution.
- proactivesvcs 7y agoBut for an entity like the EU they could have complete control over the lot, with relative ease. The client, server and protocol are all open.
- simias 7y agoIs the server really open? I was under the impression that it was not. That's my only issue with Signal honestly, you can't rehost/fork easily if you're unhappy with the way the project is going.
- Forbo 7y agohttps://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Server https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Server
- tialaramex 7y agoForking Signal isn't practical for the same reason Forking the UN wouldn't be practical. Network effect. But the code is right there for you to read it and re-use it, you just won't get far building your own network with one user and demanding everybody else switch over.
- dependenttypes 7y ago> doesn't store data, not even metadata Isn't that just a promise? Also, even then, it is based on your contacts, which are seen by google.
- literallycancer 7y agoYou can use some of the gapps alternatives. Google only sees contacts if you sync them through your Google account or use Google contact book app, right?
- Forbo 7y agoIt's a promise that got taken to court and survived. https://signal.org/bigbrother/eastern-virginia-grand-jury/ https://signal.org/bigbrother/eastern-virginia-grand-jury/ You can use a different contacts app, you don't have to give all your information to Google. My contacts are managed by a Nextcloud instance.
- dependenttypes 7y ago> You can use a different contacts app, you don't have to give all your information to Google As far as I know OWS does not mention this anywhere on their site nor on their program -- aren't the issues with usability of other programs and lack of sane defaults (such as with gpg) often given as an argument by signal supporters on why you should prefer it? That being said, is that even possible? I admit that I am not too familiar with how Android phones work. Signal requires the google play services in order to work, right? Is this not enough for google to see your information?
- Forbo 7y agoGoogle Play Services and your contacts are completely different things. I'm confused on what information you think is being sent. As far as I'm aware, all FCM does is provide a push that tells the app to check in with Signal's server. No contact information is in play. Signal also released a WebRTC version that doesn't depend on Google Play Services if that floats your boat.
- 7y ago
- Mediterraneo10 7y agoSignal does store important metadata: the phone number itself. In many countries, you cannot purchase a SIM card now without showing ID, and the seller takes down your ID details and forwards them to the state. Then your phone number is inextricably linked to your identity. Yes, the contents of messages may be securely encrypted, but many states can easily determine which of their own citizens (and visitors to the country who bought a local SIM) are using Signal.
- msh 7y agoAnd in this context it's probably not a issue.
- anoncake 7y agoBecause only a fool would needlessly rely on a foreign private entity accountable to no one. And while a private entity might trust a foreign government more than their own (or assume that the foreign government doesn't care about them), this doesn't apply to the EC.