UK government demands Apple backdoor to encrypted cloud data: report | TechCrunch
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Apple is likely to stop providing its encrypted cloud service to U.K. users

I currently use Telegram for my friends and family, but have reluctantly come to the conclusion that the UK Government is either reaching agreement for backdoors with messaging services, or is trying its hardest to.

I’m also on Element/Matrix. Before I try to get my contacts to join me on there, should I be aware of any privacy issues or is that a good place to head?

  • OptionalEnglish
    -4•5 hours ago

    Signal requires a phone number on setup.

    Not anymore.

    • @fangleone2526English
      4•4 hours ago

      You can choose to share a username instead of a phone number, but they still require the phone number at setup iirc.

      • OptionalEnglish
        1•3 hours ago

        You’re right. Only for setup though, which is something I guess.

        How to Use Signal WhatsApp Without Phone Number?

        As mentioned above, a valid phone number that can receive calls and text messages is required to create and verify your Signal Account.

        Since, your mobile device does not have a phone number or you do not want to use your phone number, you can use a Landline Phone Number or a Virtual Phone Number as provided by TextNow, Google Voice and others to verify your Signal Account.

        Once the account verification process is completed, you will be able to use Signal on your mobile device, regardless of whether or not it has a phone number or SIM card installed on it.