this post was submitted on 11 May 2025
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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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[–] CosmicTurtle0@lemmy.dbzer0.com -5 points 21 hours ago* (last edited 20 hours 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.

[–] rottingleaf@lemmy.world 6 points 16 hours ago (1 children)

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.

[–] 0101100101@programming.dev -2 points 13 hours 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.

[–] xthexder@l.sw0.com 3 points 11 hours ago* (last edited 11 hours ago)

Phone numbers cost money, which means they're not easy to create in bulk, and therefore banning or blocking spam numbers is much easier than if it was open sign up.

[–] rottingleaf@lemmy.world 1 points 9 hours ago (1 children)

One account per phone number versus infinity of accounts without.

[–] 0101100101@programming.dev 0 points 6 hours ago

signal accounts... signal accounts everywhere!

[–] Jason2357@lemmy.ca 10 points 20 hours ago

Yes it is. Signal isnt PGP email. A lot of work went into protecting metadata.

[–] ReversalHatchery@beehaw.org 4 points 20 hours ago

what? can you show a source? I think you mixed it up with Matrix