You can still download the APK from their repository, install it, and use signals built in censoring-evasion setting as far as I know.

[lazycog@sopuli.xyz]

You can still download the APK from their repository, install it, and use signals built in censoring-evasion setting as far as I know.

They are even working on self updating app feature IIRC.

This is why I donate to signal. I know there are decentralized alternatives but I can barely get my family and friends to use Signal.

[wolfie@lemm.ee]

I have gotten a few family members and friends to use signal as I stated to them that this is the only way to get ahold of me. Other than this, you won't. And because of me, they decided to do so some haven't, but its up to them to decide.

[lazycog@sopuli.xyz]

100% agree with you and I do the same.

[floofloof@lemmy.ca]

Signal has done a very good job of making it easy to get started with the app. The alternatives (Matrix, Simplex, Briar etc.) are all more awkward.

[khannie@lemmy.world]

I have gotten a few family members and friends to use signal as I stated to them that this is the only way to get ahold of me.

Same. It's the default app for everyone I'm close to.

[sunzu2@thebrainbin.org]

I can barely get my family and friends to use Signal.

Years of lobbying

[lazycog@sopuli.xyz]

Yup and months of premium instant 24/7 tech support to ensure the slightest thing doesn't return them to default apps in the beginning !

[sarge@startrek.website]

At least you all can get your family to use it.

I can't even get my spouse to use it unless she thinks what we are talking about might be illegal where we are (it usually isn't)

I've tried convincing family to use it, but all that happens is I just never hear from them until I see them in person or they call me.

They don't even feel the need to back up their Amazon Kindle collection before they get cutoff from it... Thousands of dollars wasted if they ever lose access to the account.

[m137@lemmy.world]

Really? I got my family to use it with a simple explanation of why, and why they shouldn't use other things. None of them are very tech-literate.
And also simply saying it's where they can reach me.

I feel like this is a you problem, you don't explain it well to them and make them understand why they should use it.

[lazycog@sopuli.xyz]

I'm not going to say it's not a me-problem, but disregarding the fact that if it was that simple it would be more widespread amongst people is making it seem as if we don't try seriously and downplays the effort many like myself put in.

I care about privacy and about my close ones (as many here do) and I explain the issue to them in a nice way so to not come across as a pushy salesman, and they readily admit that they don't want to put the effort in (effort as in learning something new, upkeeping with multiple apps, etc).

It's not that I don't know why they don't switch immidiately - I know why. It's simply that they don't. It's okay not to switch as long as you know the risks and I've explained the risks and they seem to understand it, but it's not enough to get everyone to switch.

If life was that simple with everyone (I know some switch without hesitation) the world would be completely different.

You can explain to a decent normal person the imminent doom we are facing with climate change and they may understand it very well, but they still wont give up on using their car and switch to public transport immidiately, because it is an inconvenience.

[walnutlum@lemmy.ml]

I highly recommend Obtainium to anyone who wants to keep their apps updated without needing a central report (save for the APKs that only publish on f-droid etc)

[kepix@lemmy.world]

i would recommend molly instead. its a zero google vode fork of signal, and also available through fdroid.