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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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what instant messaging (IM), and Voice over IP (VoIP) fdroid app that doesn't require a real phone number can I use to talk to family on an android device? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 week ago by arsus5478@lemmy.ml to c/linux@lemmy.ml

32 comments fedilink hide all child comments

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/38798523

I don't use apps like whatsapp or skype because they sell my data and don't trust them.

I was hoping for a foss alternative to talk to my parents, regular folk who need something easy to set up on their android devices, ideally through fdroid.

I don't want to reveal a real phone number because I don't want ads from nobody.

I don't need to see my parent's faces, I just need to talk to them and maybe send files and lines of text.

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[–] flork@lemy.lol 0 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Read the thread I linked it's a near universal opinion on Lemmy

[–] bastion@feddit.nl 1 points 1 week ago

The universality or lack thereof don't really matter to me as much as the accuracy and viability of an opinion.

..but to the point..

The OS has access to everything on the OS, and that means whoever made the OS does (technically) as well. That is true. But it does not make it pointless to use encryption. It means that you have a vulnerability, and anyone who is in the position to exercise that vulnerability can do so. ..but:

anyone who is not in the position to exercise that vulnerability obviously can't, but they could read plaintext by sniffing your connection - unless you use e2ee.
The ones who are in a position to exercise that vulnerability must either know you are a target of interest or create a massive monitoring program, monitor everyone, and find you via that method. Both of those circumstances have constraints, and while you are in a safe space due to those constraints, it's still worthwhile to use e2ee, as that may keep you out of the areas where a bad actor's affect on you is not constrained.

Security is cat and mouse. If you're actually caught up in that you the point where you are a real target or task potential target, get Graphene, and be mindful how you use it, or avoid smart phones altogether.

If not - assume that you're not on their radar until there's a realistic indicator that you are. ..and use best practices, like e2ee, wherever you can.