this post was submitted on 11 May 2025
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Privacy

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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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[–] j4k3@lemmy.world 6 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

They implemented an alt method IIRC but you must go out of your way to search and find it. I just recall seeing a bunch of post headlines about using email or something like that a year or so back.

They send an initial SMS message that is a main expense and funded by some rich person and donations. I think that has some significance to encryption or something but I'm not sure of the details. I could be wrong on that one, it has been years since I read the details.

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[–] kepix@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago (2 children)

in the end of the day, the end user needs an id. this is perfect for the everyday user, but obviously if you are writing anti regime articles, you might want to look around for more anonim apps.

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[–] 0xtero@beehaw.org 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)
[–] 0101100101@programming.dev 5 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

you will still need a phone number to sign up for Signal

[–] nucleative@lemmy.world 4 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Is it possible to use a voip based SMS for registration?

Those are a little easier to get anonymously then physical sim cards.

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[–] Geodad@lemm.ee 4 points 4 days ago (3 children)

I believe you can delete your phone number once you're up and running, but yeah that seems like an anti-feature.

[–] Maeve@kbin.earth 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I see an option to change it, not delete. It's still attached to a SIM card which requires identity verification in many states.

[–] Geodad@lemm.ee 4 points 4 days ago

You're right. That is odd.

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[–] Maverick604@lemmy.ca 3 points 4 days ago (11 children)

Session is an alternative that does not require, or request, your phone number (or any other identifying information). Honestly, I have no idea why Signal got popular and Sessions did not. As soon as Signal asked for my phone number that set off alarm bells for me and I’ve never really trusted it since.

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