The biggest issue with Matrix is that the server collects ALL the metadata.
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You can choose to share a username instead of a phone number, but they still require the phone number at setup iirc.
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It affects its use for me definitely. I don't want to have a phone number. At all.
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Good to know!
Is the phone number required for 2fa codes or anything like that at any point ?
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I got an initial verification code and haven't heard from signal since. Signal doesn't support totp or SMS 2fa. But has a pin code set along with your password. A new device that is added doesn't have access to old messages unless you have the correct seed key iirc
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You're right. Only for setup though, which is something I guess.
How to Use Signal WhatsApp Without Phone Number?
As mentioned above, a valid phone number that can receive calls and text messages is required to create and verify your Signal Account.
Since, your mobile device does not have a phone number or you do not want to use your phone number, you can use a Landline Phone Number or a Virtual Phone Number as provided by TextNow, Google Voice and others to verify your Signal Account.
Once the account verification process is completed, you will be able to use Signal on your mobile device, regardless of whether or not it has a phone number or SIM card installed on it.
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I have to wonder if you could use a burner number and just disable it after setting up your username
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How do you even exist without a phone number. How do you get cellular data? Does the government not require you to have one? Your employer? What about all the services that require one?
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I think you'd have a theoretical issue if the next person who got that number also tried to set up a signal account.
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No they don't, you can sign up with a VoIP provider.
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or every one of them uses Signal exclusively on iOS, your conversations are still tied to Google
Just because someone else uses Google on the other end does not make it dependent on Google on your end.
you are being very rude.
I'm being rude because you're spreading FUD and misinformation and actively making people unsafe. If you have evidence to prove that Signal has access to all of that information, feel free to share with the class. Otherwise, shut it.
If Signal had access to any of that information they would have been legally compelled to provide it when they were served with warrants but they did not, which proves that you're incorrect.
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You can enable a registration lock, where anyone with your number would have to enter a pin to register an account with it. However, it removes itself if you don't log in for a while.
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I would be more concerned about how phone-oriented it is. A phone's default OS is such spyware that I am not sure just what is safe from from being uploaded. And even if the person wants a more private alternative, most phones have locked bootloaders. On the other hand, Linux would run on damn near anything... But using Signal on it without a smartphone is very annoying. No way my mom would understand an Android VM or a command-line client, because the desktop client isn't feature-full and doesn't even allow registration.
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Yep, that's what I was thinking of. I guess just set a reminder to login every now and then (if you don't use regularly).
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Lol, let me introduce you to http://smspva.com/
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On iOS, I had best experience using element X, so far
