Comments about Signal Video/Text

[startac4]

I read good things about Signal video/text conversations/messages, its security, privacy and ease of use. I was about to try it until I read a host of complaints on google play store about the recent update to Signal. Specifically, its requirement to have a PIN, the forced use of Signal cloud storage for saving messages, the continual annoying "reminders" to verify the PIN, and the significant problems encountered by some people when the PIN was forgotten. All of this without an Opt-out to not use a PIN and cloud repository.

There were complaints from close to two dozen users, almost all of whom were going to drop Signal because of this PIN issue and the forced usage of cloud storage for their messages. But I'd like to hear from Signal users here, if there are any, whether there is "another side" to the issue. Do people on the forum find the PIN and the cloud storage not such a big issue and will continue to use the program. Or do they agree with the google play store complaints that this has ruined Signal.

 

[mikedt]

I use Signal sometimes, have latest version installed, but have not seen anything like that.

 

[Trom]

I read good things about Signal video/text conversations/messages, its security, privacy and ease of use. I was about to try it until I read a host of complaints on google play store about the recent update to Signal. Specifically, its requirement to have a PIN, the forced use of Signal cloud storage for saving messages, the continual annoying "reminders" to verify the PIN, and the significant problems encountered by some people when the PIN was forgotten. All of this without an Opt-out to not use a PIN and cloud repository.

There were complaints from close to two dozen users, almost all of whom were going to drop Signal because of this PIN issue and the forced usage of cloud storage for their messages. But I'd like to hear from Signal users here, if there are any, whether there is "another side" to the issue. Do people on the forum find the PIN and the cloud storage not such a big issue and will continue to use the program. Or do they agree with the google play store complaints that this has ruined Signal.

I only recently stopped using signal, not because of the pin reminders, that's a nothing, seriously how long does it take to tap the "not now" button? I stopped because the only guy in my contacts who also used signal isn't around anymore, and do you know how difficult it is to convince a normie to use encrypted apps? As a default text messaging app, signal is no better than anything else, and while anyone can video from their phone using duo or Skype, very few people go out of their way to put an extra app on their phone that they personally see no use for. So I just use a point to point messaging app now, my only criteria is that it not display the actual message when it notifies me of incoming, which I couldn't get the stock one to do.

 

[startac4]

Thank you mikedt and Trom. I'm glad to hear another side to the "PIN and cloud" issue. From what you both wrote it seems the PIN is not the disaster some people feel it is.

I still have reservations from the cloud perspective with the potential of this defeating the significant security/privacy that Signal touts. I'll see if there are other comments about the cloud before I decide what to do.

Thank you both again. I appreciate your taking the time to post your thoughts about it here.

 

[Trom]

Thank you mikedt and Trom. I'm glad to hear another side to the "PIN and cloud" issue. From what you both wrote it seems the PIN is not the disaster some people feel it is.

I still have reservations from the cloud perspective with the potential of this defeating the significant security/privacy that Signal touts. I'll see if there are other comments about the cloud before I decide what to do.

Thank you both again. I appreciate your taking the time to post your thoughts about it here.

Keep in mind that a point to point messaging app may not keep your messages on third party servers, but the phone company will keep them till the end of time. For secure messaging, might I suggest Alkemi, it's not a messaging app, but encrypts text and then calls your messaging app.

 

[Hadron]

Keep in mind that a point to point messaging app may not keep your messages on third party servers, but the phone company will keep them till the end of time. For secure messaging, might I suggest Alkemi, it's not a messaging app, but encrypts text and then calls your messaging app.

Sorry, but two points:

1) phone companies in most countries don't even keep SMS long term (though they do have to keep the meta data, i.e. who and when, for a few years). And SMS are sent through their systems, while Signal messages are just another set of data packets routed through their network.

2) Signal messages are encrypted. So even if the carrier were intercepting and storing all data packets going to or from Signal's servers, what are they going to do with them?

The carriers are commercial outfits. They spend money on storing data when it's of use to them or when legally required. Otherwise it's just a waste of cash that could be used for management bonuses (or paying living wages to all of their staff, but that would be a bit too radical wouldn't it?).

 

[Trom]

Sorry, but two points:

1) phone companies in most countries don't even keep SMS long term (though they do have to keep the meta data, i.e. who and when, for a few years). And SMS are sent through their systems, while Signal messages are just another set of data packets routed through their network.

2) Signal messages are encrypted. So even if the carrier were intercepting and storing all data packets going to or from Signal's servers, what are they going to do with them?

The carriers are commercial outfits. They spend money on storing data when it's of use to them or when legally required. Otherwise it's just a waste of cash that could be used for management bonuses (or paying living wages to all of their staff, but that would be a bit too radical wouldn't it?).

I was referring to using signal as a standard texting app when the recipient is not using signal. And I was under the impression that phone companies kept texts much longer.

 

[mikedt]

I was referring to using signal as a standard texting app when the recipient is not using signal. And I was under the impression that phone companies kept texts much longer.

Well that would depend on the carrier and whatever country you're in. Like if they have data retention laws. But most of the time you wouldn't have access to this data, unless you're law enforcement or other govt spook with a warrant.

 

[mikedt]

S
The carriers are commercial outfits. They spend money on storing data when it's of use to them or when legally required. Otherwise it's just a waste of cash that could be used for management bonuses (or paying living wages to all of their staff, but that would be a bit too radical wouldn't it?).

Unless all the carriers are govt owned state enterprises. But not many countries have that.