Very interesting thanks!

Source

In the US on Android, unencrypted SMS messaging comes default. How do you propose getting a technologically illiterate boomer to not use SMS?

I like ButterPrime, who typically talks about entertainment media

Signal to work for SMS again 🙄🙄🙄

With approaches to reducing emissions we should take a “yes and” approach.

UGH, YES, THANK YOU! Perfect should not be the enemy of good.

50% of the US uses Android. All android phones can text each other & iPhones by default via SMS in the US. The United States is 300 million people, and also the literal home of the Signal Foundation.

You’re right, that is a good analogy. Https used the same browser as http, and now https is widespread. Gopher needs a whole separate browser. It’s niche. Good security only works if people actually use it.

50% of the US uses Android. All android phones can text each other & iPhones by default via SMS in the US. The United States is 300 million people, and also the literal home of the Signal Foundation.

You’re right, that is a good analogy. Https used the same browser as http, and now https is widespread. Gopher needs a whole separate browser. It’s nice. Good security only works if people actually use it.

A really secure messaging system is worthless if it’s not used. SMS too insecure? Ok, change the UI to reflect that. Have an open lock symbol or eye. Notification reminders that it’s insecure & nudge to invite your friend to Signal.

Boomer parents using Signal & now it doesn’t support SMS? Congrats, now the app doesn’t work to message the majority of their contacts. The average user isn’t going to check if someone’s on signal, send them an invite, then wait to message until they get the app. They’ll just move to their (Android) default message app that literally works with all US phones. Congrats, now less signal users, gj .

A really secure messaging system is worthless if it’s not used. SMS too insecure? Ok, change the UI to reflect that. Have an open lock symbol or eye. Notification reminders that it’s insecure & nudge to invite your friend to Signal.

Boomer parents using Signal & now it doesn’t support SMS? Congrats, now the app doesn’t work to message the majority of their contacts. The average user isn’t going to check if someone’s on signal, send them an invite, then wait to message until they get the app. They’ll just move to their (Android) default message app that literally works with all US phones. Congrats, now less signal users, gj .

I used to donate to Signal, and they made the stupidest fucking decision I’ve ever seen.

You used to be able to use signal (at least on Android) as your default messenger app, sending encrypted Signals to other users, or SMS to non-signal users. Have a normie family member who doesn’t know about computers? Easy, set it & forget it.

Now? They removed that functionality, so it only works for other signal users. Someone else had a good metaphor: imagine if http and https needed different web browsers & you couldn’t see one on the other. How well do you think https uptake would have been?

So fucking stupid.