Time for Signal

by Volker Weber

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The UK has just passed a super-surveillance law. The US is poised to be great again (yes, Germany tried that). Maybe it's time that we change. It's easy, we don't have to do it all at once, but we need to take the first step.

That first step is installing Signal from Open Whisper Systems. It's audit is looking good. Edward Snowden recommends it and it is available on iPhone and Android.

Signal does messaging and calls, both encrypted. It's easy as in it discovers all your friends, just like iMessage or WhatsApp do. So far nobody is using it, because iMessage and WhatsApp are so convenient.

That is why you need to start with step 1: install Signal. Be on that network. And then wait for others to do the same. Be patient. It does not really cost you. Just another app on your phone. iPhone or Android.

Step 2 is actually using it whenever you can. Take that data away from WhatsApp (and Facebook), encrypted or not. Don't let them have it. Governments will want access to WhatsApp data, because it is there. And they will put pressure on Apple as well. Those companies have a business to protect and they will eventually give in.

What is the difference with Signal? They don't keep the data.

More >

[You are on Telegram or Threema? Great. Now also install Signal.]

Comments

Funny that, I installed it a few days ago just before the snoopers charter received approval. So far you're the only one from my contact list using it, I hope that will change quickly.
Also because WhatsApp or FB Messenger won't get anywhere near my phone.

Armin Grewe, 2016-11-20

If Signal at leaslt supported share extensions in iOS. The best - most secure - solution won't be used by more people when it does everything to be less comfortable to use than less secure solutions.

Ralph Inselsbacher, 2016-11-20

Step 1: install it

Volker Weber, 2016-11-20

No luck for me and my Nischensystem, unfortch 😭 I am a little bit surprised, that there is no client, as the protocols and clients are open source and GPL. Maybe they will / can build a universal app sometime. Hope dies last 😂

Hubert Stettner, 2016-11-20

Nope. Whisper Systems will keine anderen Apps auf ihren Servern. Kauf Dir ein iPhone und gib Ruhe. Das machen selbst die Microserfs.

Volker Weber, 2016-11-20

Alles easy 👍

Hubert Stettner, 2016-11-20

Step 3: Donate some money. The app is free, but worth being paid. http://support.whispersystems.org/hc/en-us/articles/212940158-How-can-I-donate-

Hanno Zulla, 2016-11-20

I've been on it for a while but hardly anyone else is. I don't see a way to add you as my friend on there. Where/how are they getting my friend list?

Amy Blumenfield, 2016-11-21

My phone# needs to be in your address book. Easiest way is to go to my contact page and get the vcard file.

Volker Weber, 2016-11-21

Done Step 1 hoping that someone in my social life will use it.

Karl Heindel, 2016-11-21

Don't worry about it for a long time. Just make yourself available.

Volker Weber, 2016-11-21

I must have the wrong number. Will pull down your vCard.

Amy Blumenfield, 2016-11-21

Have taken your advice and installed, Volker.

But I have the same issue I have with WhatsApp, that they've hung the ID system off phone numbers. Why oh why? These days I rarely ever ask someone for their number - we have so many other better ways to stay in touch. And no iPad/Universal app? In 2016?

Stuart McIntyre, 2016-11-21

Actually, as old people we have email addresses as ID. The young ones use phone numbers. You can see that in many services who would require an email address to sign up. Now they want a phone number.

Volker Weber, 2016-11-21

+1. Zum zweiten mal raus aus WhatsApp. Danke für den Schubs. Nun nur noch Telegram, Signal und Minireste via SMS/iMessage.

Stephan Perthes, 2016-11-21

I installed Signal some time ago. I think I have sent a total of 1 message. I would love to use it more.

@Volker, have you thought about secure email?

I have been using protonmail.com for some time. They are definitely worth look at.

Ian Bradbury, 2016-11-21

I have sent more messages today on Signal than all messages combined before today. You have to start somewhere. My phone number and vcard is at vowe.net/contact. Send a message with your name.

Volker Weber, 2016-11-21

Nett ist auch Signal Desktop (Chrome Plugin für MacOS & Win)... der einzige Grund warum ich Chrome installiert habe.

Christoph Krieger, 2016-11-21

Wertvolle Initiative, danke, hab's auch vor ein paar Monaten schon installiert und hatte einen Chat... Frage mich nur was das bringt, wenn am Ende die Software, die wir sonst so verwenden, um die Infos, über die wir uns mit Secure Chat austauschen, vorzubereiten, immer alles in die Clould schiebt, die dann auch noch schwerpunktmässig in Überwachungsstaaten betrieben wird. (Langer Satz :-)

Peter Daum, 2016-11-22

Old vowe.net archive pages

I explain difficult concepts in simple ways. For free, and for money. Clue procurement and bullshit detection.

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