I only have it because the neighborhood group chat uses it. I can’t convince hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds to switch to Signal unfortunately. Some of them barely know how to use a smartphone.
Try and give them a hand with it. The app has a very low cognitive load and a very simplified UI. Once you set it, its easy to forget its any different. I reminded the older folks in my circle that they could look at it as a guaranteed way to speak to family, and regular texts are more of the spam that come through
Beeper is a matrix bridge packaged for user-friendliness. It also includes SMS/RCS, which is handled natively and does not use bridging.
For how I use it, it isn't much of a concern. I use mine for SMS/RCS, Discord, and native Matrix. Discord is already poor on the privacy front, and I trust the Beeper app more than the actual Discord app.
Matrix bridging does add a step to comms (going between the Matrix network and whatever other network) that some have expressed concern over. From my own research, and the general consensus over on the numerous Reddit posts, while it is true that it adds a step to the process this doesn't involve any unusual vulnerabilities. The app itself seems secure and does not display old/previous messages on unauthenticated logins. I.e. you have to log in and then verify the session either by linking to another verified session or using a recovery key.
If you have a messaging platform that you have selected specifically because of its superior privacy features, this is one of those "do your own research" moments. You may wish to stick to the native app rather than running it through Beeper. Alternately, you can self-host the Beeper bridging, though that is a little beyond my skill level and wouldn't benefit me.
Thanks for the info. Whatsapp is a pretty low bar so anything else would be better at this point lol. Given I only use it for one specific purpose (neighborhood group chat), I’m inclined to try Beeper out.
There's nothing to stop anyone sending you a message on WhatsApp if they have your number, be they an individual or a company.
But it IS absolutely infuriating - not because it's an advert, but because I don't want any aspect of my communication with companies to take place on third-party proprietary closed platforms of which that company has no ownership or data control and which would require me to have an account with said platform.
I'm sure many people love being able to contact customer support by shooting them a DM on Instagram, but to me that's wholly unacceptable.
If companies want to talk to me it should be through email or SMS only - because those are the only methods which are provider-agnostic.
Email and SMS are like the original federated systems. (And the postal service is, too!)
They can't send messages out of the blue, you have to contact the company via whatsapp first, after which they have a 24 hour window to reply. Marketing messages are opt in.
I guess that's part of WhatsApp's terms of service. Good to know, thanks.
Either way, my dislike for corporations using closed platforms still stands. I really wish we had some modern, secure and featureful version of SMS - a federated direct messaging system that everyone was on, and yet nobody owned.
I had one of these marketing messages from Amazon this morning. I've never contacted them through WhatsApp, and as far as I can remember, have never contacted them outside of their apps. I definitely haven't contacted them with my phone number.
They have my phone number, but it's supposed to be for delivery issues, and I've withdrawn all advertising and marketing consent.
EDIT: I just checked, and I was automatically opted in to WhatsApp marketing, despite having turned off all other marketing 😤
In that case it's not WhatsApp itself, it's a business using your phone number to message you.
If you open the chat and click the name on top, there should be a toggle to turn off "Offers and announcements" for that account.
If not (or you don't wanna receive any messages from the sender at all), just block them and make sure to check the "Didn't sign up" box.
It's really just ads by said company, not whatsapp. But whatsapp is partially blamed because they have system to do this, and since some service that you subbed require your phone number, they simply used the data they collected to send you ads via whatsapp. It's like spam mail from service you give your email to.
Time to teach your friends and family that if they're going to keep playing on the corporate intranet then they need to migrate from time to time to stay ahead of the tide of enshitification.
Or they could join the free internet that is actually by and for people, but far be it from me...
My family already moved to Signal about a year ago, and I have an online friend who I talk to over Tox; but my friends from high school pretty much only use WhatsApp, Instagram, ans TikTok, and they have never been open to my suggestions of switching to Signal and the Fediverse.
Yep in Latin America too. Almost all businesses in Colombia use whatsapp. It's unlimited use included in most cellular plans. Everyone uses it as default for messaging and calls
Well, this is /MildlyInfuriating and not /Privacy, so I'll just say that I very much don't like Facebook and all its spinoff products (or acquired, in the case of WhatsApp).
I will say, Facebook didn't spend $21 billion on WhatsApp and not expect some kind of return on that investment. Classic WhatsApp charged $1 a year. There's no way that's profitable. I don't think it asks for that money anymore. I think just selling your data/snooping on your business is enough.
There is a somewhat interesting solution, though it's hardly cheap, or practical in many cases. Have one phone be your daily driver and you're signed into it with your personal accounts and you have stuff on it you trust. Then you have another phone that is not so easily trusted. You sign in to the provider (be it Apple or Google) with a dummy account that is not related to you, and you install these apps you don't trust. You don't give the phone location permissions, and you don't activate it as a cell phone (no SIM card or eSIM). You use it as a WiFi device and hotspot it off your phone or home WiFi. Do the shady stuff (e.g. WhatsApp, TikTok, etc.) on that. If your main phone has a VPN on it, even better, because the other phone can use network location to help identify you. If you're always in different places, good luck with that.
The main problem with this (from a stock android perspective) is Google play services. Your private phone/daily driver would literally have to be a non-stock rom or one that doesn't come with Google play services installed at all. Because otherwise Google and other companies linked to them will fingerprint your device and link it that way because those two devices are often in the same place at the same time or on the same network at the same or similar times etc. Then, even when you think you've given the apps no permissions, Google has a habit of turning this stuff on (location data, telemetry etc) and gathering it in the background.
I had a Motorola phone that had three profiles. It was really just home screen layouts though. This was in 2012? Proton/Electrify (4G/3G versions). Way ahead of its time.
I went iPhone before Google implemented profiles. I have an old S10, I wonder if it has the feature.
Hey, it's not like I'm surprised. I suggested that everyone leave for Signal as soon as Facebook bought the damn thing. The trouble was that nobody but my immediate family actually listened or cared.
I'm using it fine without Play Services. The only snag is that the notifications tend to come through several hours late, but I only really use the app for the old (mostly dead) group chat, as well as to get Wordle scores from my grandma.
That's pretty generalizing. I have people who I need to contact that only use WhatsApp, and it isn't really possible to get a group of 20–30 sports people all to move to Signal "because the guy who works in IT doesn't feel comfortable".
And ignorance to me is not the same as being an idiot. Being an idiot to me is being presented with the truth and ignoring it. Not knowing is another thing.
As an android user I almost have no choice since I know too many people who are daft and refuse to change to signal. I have like 7 chat apps on my phone because of different people.
64 Comments
baconsunday@lemmy.zip · 64 pts · 290d
Signal is way better and I wish it was more common for people to use.
scytale@piefed.zip · 17 pts · 290d
I only have it because the neighborhood group chat uses it. I can’t convince hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds to switch to Signal unfortunately. Some of them barely know how to use a smartphone.
mad_lentil@lemmy.ca · 7 pts · 290d
We used to say the same thing about Messenger.
baconsunday@lemmy.zip · 5 pts · 290d
Try and give them a hand with it. The app has a very low cognitive load and a very simplified UI. Once you set it, its easy to forget its any different. I reminded the older folks in my circle that they could look at it as a guaranteed way to speak to family, and regular texts are more of the spam that come through
possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip · 3 pts · 290d
All you really need is to get a few people on board
aceshigh@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 289d
The selling point is unlimited video chat, unlike free zoom.
EndlessNightmare@reddthat.com · 1 pts · 285d
You could use Beeper to connect to Whatsapp messages (messaging only, no calls).
I refuse to put the Discord app on my phone and use Beeper for it instead.
scytale@piefed.zip · 2 pts · 284d
Thanks for the recommendation. Is Beeper trustworthy on the privacy front?
EndlessNightmare@reddthat.com · 1 pts · 284d
Beeper is a matrix bridge packaged for user-friendliness. It also includes SMS/RCS, which is handled natively and does not use bridging.
For how I use it, it isn't much of a concern. I use mine for SMS/RCS, Discord, and native Matrix. Discord is already poor on the privacy front, and I trust the Beeper app more than the actual Discord app.
Matrix bridging does add a step to comms (going between the Matrix network and whatever other network) that some have expressed concern over. From my own research, and the general consensus over on the numerous Reddit posts, while it is true that it adds a step to the process this doesn't involve any unusual vulnerabilities. The app itself seems secure and does not display old/previous messages on unauthenticated logins. I.e. you have to log in and then verify the session either by linking to another verified session or using a recovery key.
If you have a messaging platform that you have selected specifically because of its superior privacy features, this is one of those "do your own research" moments. You may wish to stick to the native app rather than running it through Beeper. Alternately, you can self-host the Beeper bridging, though that is a little beyond my skill level and wouldn't benefit me.
scytale@piefed.zip · 1 pts · 284d
Thanks for the info. Whatsapp is a pretty low bar so anything else would be better at this point lol. Given I only use it for one specific purpose (neighborhood group chat), I’m inclined to try Beeper out.
hellfire103@lemmy.ca · 3 pts · 290d
My family moved as soon as I asked last year; but my old friend group is rather stubborn.
tiramichu@sh.itjust.works · 57 pts · 290d
There's nothing to stop anyone sending you a message on WhatsApp if they have your number, be they an individual or a company.
But it IS absolutely infuriating - not because it's an advert, but because I don't want any aspect of my communication with companies to take place on third-party proprietary closed platforms of which that company has no ownership or data control and which would require me to have an account with said platform.
I'm sure many people love being able to contact customer support by shooting them a DM on Instagram, but to me that's wholly unacceptable.
If companies want to talk to me it should be through email or SMS only - because those are the only methods which are provider-agnostic.
Email and SMS are like the original federated systems. (And the postal service is, too!)
TheBat@lemmy.world · 14 pts · 290d
possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 290d
Username checks out
thericofactor@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 290d
They can't send messages out of the blue, you have to contact the company via whatsapp first, after which they have a 24 hour window to reply. Marketing messages are opt in.
tiramichu@sh.itjust.works · 8 pts · 290d
I guess that's part of WhatsApp's terms of service. Good to know, thanks.
Either way, my dislike for corporations using closed platforms still stands. I really wish we had some modern, secure and featureful version of SMS - a federated direct messaging system that everyone was on, and yet nobody owned.
Tippon@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 4 pts · 290d
I had one of these marketing messages from Amazon this morning. I've never contacted them through WhatsApp, and as far as I can remember, have never contacted them outside of their apps. I definitely haven't contacted them with my phone number.
They have my phone number, but it's supposed to be for delivery issues, and I've withdrawn all advertising and marketing consent.
EDIT: I just checked, and I was automatically opted in to WhatsApp marketing, despite having turned off all other marketing 😤
zeca@lemmy.ml · 1 pts · 290d
Maybe thats a law where you live but ive definitely been contacted by a bunch of companies through wpp without having contacted them first.
sassymov@piefed.blahaj.zone · 52 pts · 290d
hellfire103@lemmy.ca · 2 pts · 290d
Yes, but I didn't sign up to receive ads in WhatsApp, nor did I agree when creating either account.
PostaL@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 290d
I see. So all the spam you receive in your email and sms is because you signed up and agreed to receive it?
hellfire103@lemmy.ca · -2 pts · 290d
Bold of you to assume I get spam in my emails or SMS
Jumi@lemmy.world · 33 pts · 290d
I blocked Whatsapp in Whatsapp and so far I got no new messages from them.
hellfire103@lemmy.ca · 3 pts · 290d
Same
LiveLM@lemmy.zip · 20 pts · 290d
In that case it's not WhatsApp itself, it's a business using your phone number to message you.
If you open the chat and click the name on top, there should be a toggle to turn off "Offers and announcements" for that account.
If not (or you don't wanna receive any messages from the sender at all), just block them and make sure to check the "Didn't sign up" box.
psx_crab@lemmy.zip · 17 pts · 290d
It's really just ads by said company, not whatsapp. But whatsapp is partially blamed because they have system to do this, and since some service that you subbed require your phone number, they simply used the data they collected to send you ads via whatsapp. It's like spam mail from service you give your email to.
JustJack23@slrpnk.net · 13 pts · 290d
Syncthing enjoyer
blinfabian@feddit.nl · 11 pts · 290d
i tried to convince my family and friends to use signal, only my parents wanted to, so still a win :3
victorz@lemmy.world · 0 pts · 290d
Mompop always come thoo don't they ❤️
mad_lentil@lemmy.ca · 11 pts · 290d
Time to teach your friends and family that if they're going to keep playing on the corporate intranet then they need to migrate from time to time to stay ahead of the tide of enshitification.
Or they could join the free internet that is actually by and for people, but far be it from me...
hellfire103@lemmy.ca · 5 pts · 290d
My family already moved to Signal about a year ago, and I have an online friend who I talk to over Tox; but my friends from high school pretty much only use WhatsApp, Instagram, ans TikTok, and they have never been open to my suggestions of switching to Signal and the Fediverse.
sonofearth@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 289d
TrippingBalls@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 289d
Yep in Latin America too. Almost all businesses in Colombia use whatsapp. It's unlimited use included in most cellular plans. Everyone uses it as default for messaging and calls
PancakeEpiphany@feddit.org · 7 pts · 290d
Upvote for Levellers and Syncthing 👍
cerebralhawks@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 6 pts · 289d
Well, this is /MildlyInfuriating and not /Privacy, so I'll just say that I very much don't like Facebook and all its spinoff products (or acquired, in the case of WhatsApp).
I will say, Facebook didn't spend $21 billion on WhatsApp and not expect some kind of return on that investment. Classic WhatsApp charged $1 a year. There's no way that's profitable. I don't think it asks for that money anymore. I think just selling your data/snooping on your business is enough.
There is a somewhat interesting solution, though it's hardly cheap, or practical in many cases. Have one phone be your daily driver and you're signed into it with your personal accounts and you have stuff on it you trust. Then you have another phone that is not so easily trusted. You sign in to the provider (be it Apple or Google) with a dummy account that is not related to you, and you install these apps you don't trust. You don't give the phone location permissions, and you don't activate it as a cell phone (no SIM card or eSIM). You use it as a WiFi device and hotspot it off your phone or home WiFi. Do the shady stuff (e.g. WhatsApp, TikTok, etc.) on that. If your main phone has a VPN on it, even better, because the other phone can use network location to help identify you. If you're always in different places, good luck with that.
atrielienz@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 289d
The main problem with this (from a stock android perspective) is Google play services. Your private phone/daily driver would literally have to be a non-stock rom or one that doesn't come with Google play services installed at all. Because otherwise Google and other companies linked to them will fingerprint your device and link it that way because those two devices are often in the same place at the same time or on the same network at the same or similar times etc. Then, even when you think you've given the apps no permissions, Google has a habit of turning this stuff on (location data, telemetry etc) and gathering it in the background.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-02/social-media-ban-algorithm-phone-addiction-instagram-x-tiktok-/105844066
https://www.howtogeek.com/how-google-tracks-and-scans-everything-on-your-android-device/
TrippingBalls@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 289d
I use android and have work mode enabled that only has contacts for WhatsApp.
The personal side of my phone has all my contacts and has aurora store, new pipe etc..
cerebralhawks@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 1 pts · 289d
Nice. I might have to look into that sometime.
I had a Motorola phone that had three profiles. It was really just home screen layouts though. This was in 2012? Proton/Electrify (4G/3G versions). Way ahead of its time.
I went iPhone before Google implemented profiles. I have an old S10, I wonder if it has the feature.
Karyoplasma@discuss.tchncs.de · 5 pts · 290d
I didn't notice. I don't use a messenger app. I only use the fucking SMS text like back in 2004.
possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip · 3 pts · 290d
We need a open standard to replace SMS. They should've added a new mandated standard along with 5G.
baatliwala@lemmy.world · -6 pts · 290d
Ok boomer
FosterMolasses@leminal.space · 1 pts · 289d
Triggered tiktoker lol
baatliwala@lemmy.world · 0 pts · 289d
Ok boomer
flamiera@kbin.melroy.org · 5 pts · 289d
hellfire103@lemmy.ca · 2 pts · 289d
Hey, it's not like I'm surprised. I suggested that everyone leave for Signal as soon as Facebook bought the damn thing. The trouble was that nobody but my immediate family actually listened or cared.
Buy2cbonline@moist.catsweat.com · 4 pts · 290d
whatsapp is now really useless
brokenwing@discuss.tchncs.de · 4 pts · 290d
There were talks on making people opt out automatically if they don't give consent for continuing the messages.
FosterMolasses@leminal.space · 3 pts · 289d
Got rid of that shit just in time, it seems
Appoxo@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 3 pts · 289d
Yay EU
Duke_Nukem_1990@feddit.org · 3 pts · 290d
Deleted that shit some time ago, before they forced their version of the hallucination machine onto it.
The important contacts switched with/for me, the rest can stay in their miserable hovel.
myfunnyaccountname@lemmy.zip · 3 pts · 290d
What app?
blimthepixie@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 2 pts · 290d
Good song
Wispy2891@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 284d
got the same result, i flagged as spam, but of course it will have no result as this is 200% the result of amazon paying facebook to spam their users
rirus@feddit.org · 2 pts · 289d
Dies WhatsApp work in GrapheneOS?
Buckshot@programming.dev · 3 pts · 289d
Yes, you need the sandboxed Play services and have to gove it a few extra permissions but it works fine after that.
hellfire103@lemmy.ca · 1 pts · 289d
I'm using it fine without Play Services. The only snag is that the notifications tend to come through several hours late, but I only really use the app for the old (mostly dead) group chat, as well as to get Wordle scores from my grandma.
rirus@feddit.org · 1 pts · 288d
Is it possible to create new Accounts?
DemandtheOxfordComma@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 2 pts · 290d
Enshittification
Reygle@lemmy.world · -5 pts · 290d
WhatsApp is owned and run by Meta. If you ever used WhatsApp, you're a f*cking idiot.
possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip · 18 pts · 290d
This might be a crazy concept but some people have friends and family. While it isn't heavily used in the US I hear that it is very popular elsewhere.
Reygle@lemmy.world · -9 pts · 290d
that's what telephone numbers are for.
victorz@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 290d
And calling someone is more secure than WhatsApp?
FosterMolasses@leminal.space · 1 pts · 289d
Long distance charges. Derp.
Kekzkrieger@feddit.org · 14 pts · 290d
Its owned now by Meta, i still rememvber a time b4 that
Reygle@lemmy.world · 0 pts · 290d
That's fair. I'll revise to "If you've used WhatsApp since they were purchased by Meta, you're a f*cking idiot."
victorz@lemmy.world · 12 pts · 290d
That's pretty generalizing. I have people who I need to contact that only use WhatsApp, and it isn't really possible to get a group of 20–30 sports people all to move to Signal "because the guy who works in IT doesn't feel comfortable".
And ignorance to me is not the same as being an idiot. Being an idiot to me is being presented with the truth and ignoring it. Not knowing is another thing.
Those were my two cents.
BananaIsABerry@lemmy.zip · 8 pts · 289d
Tell me you've never met anyone from Latin America without telling me you've never met anyone from Latin america...
cyberpunk007@lemmy.ca · 2 pts · 289d
As an android user I almost have no choice since I know too many people who are daft and refuse to change to signal. I have like 7 chat apps on my phone because of different people.