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I recently changed my mind on this: being able to use phone numbers as identifiers also has some benefits: Last time I was on vacation, it was easy to get in to
by BeatLeJuce 5y ago
I recently changed my mind on this: being able to use phone numbers as identifiers also has some benefits: Last time I was on vacation, it was easy to get in touch with service providers (e.g. surf school, massage place) via WhatsApp, simply because I had their number, and everyone used WhatsApp anyways. If Signal would be more popular, I could instead contact them directly via Signal, since I only need their phone number. It allows for a more seamless transition.
Matrix OTOH would have a harder time getting adopted: businesses would need to update their websites, facebook pages and flyers to add the matrix contact info. Which they wouldn't do until Matrix is more popular. Which is a chicken and egg problem.
- bilkow 5y agoAlthough optional, matrix actually has identity servers, which allow people to find you via phone number / email.
- 3np 5y agoMatrix still has 3pids, including phone number and email. The most common client, Element, will by default ask you for your phone number when registering with the default matrix.org homeserver and the default vector.im identity server will associate your phone number with your matrix user. So by default (changing servers and/or opting out is easy and encouraged BTW), Matrix already works like you would prefer. This is BTW a main critique in the OP since it makes vector.im a PII and metadata aggregator.
- hansel_der 5y ago> being able to use phone numbers as identifiers also has some benefits of course it has, but so has the ability to NOT use a phone number. different use cases