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Request for messenger suggestions (lemmy.zip)

submitted 2 days ago by leriotdelac@lemmy.zip to c/foss@beehaw.org

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Hi all! I'd like to request suggestions for a secure messaging app, ideally that doesn't require mobile phone for registration, to stay connected to my family In Russia.

The country wages war on the Internet, messengers and VPNs. Options are blocked one by one, and one can't register in Signal because numbers that send registration confirmation from Signal are blocked...

I'd need an app that allows group chats, calls, media attachments and audio messages, easy enough for older people would be able to install. Ideally, something niche enough it won't be blocked right away...

It's a lot of requirements, but I hope something like this exists and would be very grateful for any recommendations.

Android / iPhone / desktop.

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[–] FriendOfDeSoto@startrek.website 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Anything other than Signal seems unadvisable from a privacy POV. Do you have a way of talking to them live on the phone, at the same time? You can try and register their Signal on a burner phone wherever you are. As they sign up, you sit on the call and give them the phone number and security code when it comes through. Unless having Signal on the phone is itself a reason to get arrested in Russia, which frankly wouldn't surprise me either.

I don't know if this will work. I did it on a different service using the number on a dumbphone to register for use on a tablet once.

[–] leriotdelac@lemmy.zip 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Thank you! I might try, but I'll need like 3 different sims for my family members - if nothing else comes up, I'll go this route.

[–] FriendOfDeSoto@startrek.website 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I fear there won't be a solution that doesn't cost money somewhere. Please don't buy 3 burner phone numbers at once. I would feel bad if it didn't work and/or you get suspected of being a criminal.

Check your current phone subscription if you have one. There might be a way to get an additional number for free or very little extra. And it might be a good backup emergency service to have just with your parents maybe even if you go down a different route for the rest.

[–] leriotdelac@lemmy.zip 1 points 2 days ago

Good point, thank you very much!