SimpleX Chat: private and secure messenger without any user IDs (not even random)
simplex.chat
SimpleX Chat - a private and encrypted messenger without any user IDs (not even random ones)! Make a private connection via link / QR code to send messages and make calls.

SimpleX Chat is an instant messenger that is decentralized and doesn’t depend on any unique identifiers such as phone numbers or usernames. Users of SimpleX Chat can scan a QR code or click an invite link to participate in group conversations.

-privacyguides.org

It’s clearly proving to be the most innovative technology when it comes to decentralized communication, in my opinion.

    • Em Adespoton@lemmy.ca
      0·
      3 months ago

      I saw a user’s hash just this week — it was in a ransom note. They required their victims to sign up for the service and text a code to their userhash to kick off sending the attacker cryptocurrency so they’d send a decryption key and not make stolen data public.

      Other than that use case, it hasn’t picked up many users that I’m aware of.

  • BastingChemina@slrpnk.net
    0·
    3 months ago

    I liked the fact that it is really easy to self-host.

    I tried it with friends on discord and in 10min I had a vps with a server running.

  • jet@hackertalks.comEnglish
    0·
    3 months ago

    SimpleX is great but not ready for prime time.

    I use it as a copy paste buffer on my different devices. I run into issues with sending media sometimes.

    Adding people at a distance is a huge pain in the ass with long codes, that needs a solution before the app can be used by normal people.

  • TCB13@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    3 months ago

    Because when you read their website https://simplex.chat/ and they say stuff like “Possibility of MITM > NO” and “Central component or other network-wide attack > No - resilient” they kind lose their credibility.

    Also, “Other apps have user IDs (…) SimpleX does not, not even random numbers.” > there must be an ID at some point. When you invite someone with a QR code or a link that effectively becomes an ID - even if it changes for every invitation. Also servers need to coordinate message delivery, some form of ID is required for that.

    The way the messaging queues work and what the servers see is interesting but I’m yet to dig into that.

  • Freuks@lemmy.ml
    0·
    3 months ago

    No userbase + when I exported db ld device and then import to new one, it didnt work…

  • shrugal@lemm.ee
    0·
    3 months ago

    What does their multi-device story look like? Can I use one identity/account on multiple devices, with synced read state etc?

  • ThinkingThings@lemmy.caEnglish
    0·
    3 months ago

    Simple answer to the question so far as I can see: in order to connect with someone, you have to video conference with them and show them a code. So the anonymity is only as anonymous as the video conference you use to do that. All of the benefits it claims are merely an illusion.

    • jack@monero.town
      0·
      3 months ago

      Just send them the code. It’s okay if the channel over which they the receive the code is insecure

  • considine@lemmy.ml
    0·
    3 months ago

    Running out of names for apps? I’ll just borrow from Herpes Simplex… seems catchy.

  • fuckwit_mcbumcrumble@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    0·
    3 months ago

    “Hang on let me write down my QR code”

    Usernames exist for a reason, especially in chat apps. Not having usernames is only going to severely limit your target demographic. And if nobody uses your app does it’s benefits even matter?

      • jet@hackertalks.comEnglish
        0·
        3 months ago

        You match with someone on a dating app and want to move to the next step… Sending them a QR code to scan into the app is a huge hurdle.

          • jet@hackertalks.comEnglish
            0·
            3 months ago

            A Messaging app is made for communication. The ideal dream is a messaging app that is both easy to communicate with, and respect privacy. If a messaging app cannot be used for a common messaging use case, like dating. It’s not going to work as a general messaging app

      • 56!@lemmy.ml
        0·
        3 months ago

        It can be pretty complicated without a phone. Especially if your computer doesn’t have a webcam.

  • lemmyreader@lemmy.mlEnglish
    0·
    3 months ago

    Interesting project, but last time I tried it was battery hungry, and having made quite an effort to get some of my contacts on Signal, I don’t see it happen to get them all on SimpleXChat. And Signal Stickers make Signal more attractive for some.