For anyone sensitive to metadata collection (phone numbers), there's SimpleX.chat which is private and secure by default. If you want more complete metadata pr

For anyone sensitive to metadata collection (phone numbers), there's SimpleX.chat which is private and secure by default. If you want more complete metadata protection you will also want Orbot (in Power User Mode) and make the following config changes in SimpleX: Network & servers > Use SOCKS proxy - ON Network & servers > SOCKS proxy settings > Proxy - 127.0.0.1:9050 Network & servers > SOCKS proxy settings > Use .onion hosts - Required Network & servers > SOCKS proxy settings > Use random credentials - ON Network & servers > Advanced network settings > Private routing - Always Network & servers > Advanced network settings > Allow Downgrade - No Network & servers > Advanced network settings > Show message status - ON Network & servers > Advanced network settings > Transport isolation - Chat profile Audio & video calls > Always use relay - ON [NOTE: get a good VPN to protect call metadata] Privacy & security > Send link previews - OFF Privacy & security > Show last messages - OFF Privacy & security > Auto-accept images - OFF Privacy & security > Blur media - [As desired] The above configuration beats the pants off Session (Signal alternative typically recommended) and actually works decently (unlike Session)! IMO the above really needs to come set by default and I might fork the client to do it (calling it SimplerX).