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Why does Signal want a phone number to register if it's supposedly privacy first? (programming.dev)
submitted 1 year ago by to c/privacy@lemmy.ml
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I remember a time when visiting a website that opens a javacript dialog box asking for your name so the message "hi " could be displayed was baulked at.

Why does signal want a phone number to register? Is there a better alternative?

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[–] -4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (3 children)

Messages are e2e encrypted. Metadata is not encrypted.

Edit: I feel the need to qualify this statement. Metadata about your connection may be encrypted at rest but is decryptable given that signal is released metadata to authorities with a warrant/subpoena.

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  • [–] 6 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    People told you a few times to go look for yourself what Signal can give away. Its protocol descriptions are pretty understandable.

    The whole bloody reason it's always recommended is because it's absolutely the best thing in terms of yes, encrypting metadata. It's state of the art, level above that bullshit you're thinking.

    Unfortunately, that also means that hosting it takes lots of resources, which means they have to screen bots and mults somehow. Phone numbers are one way. Paid accounts are another.

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  • [–] [S] -2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    Phone numbers are one way. Paid accounts are another.

    Rubbish. How would this stop bots? Bots are created to make money. What makes you think creators don't have a phone number, or be prepared to pay to spam.

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