Subnostr

Yes, the app is FLOSS yet, despite the extensive scrutiny done by coders there are many that feel they many be a honey pot as you do. SimpleX Chat fixes that, problem is, most people uses messengers openly known as government tools as WhatsApp Viber, Meta Messenger ,etc...

Signal has done some major progress on becoming more private, the latest was removing the mobile number need to use the app.

***What we need to know is, How is it funded:***

(pay attention to the OTF, this, IMO is the reason some feel uneasy):

Signal Messenger operates as a non-profit organization, relying on donations and grants to fund its development and maintenance. Here are some key funding sources:

1. Initial Funding: Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp, donated $50 million to the Signal Foundation in 2017.

2. Donations: Signal relies on public donations from individuals and organizations to sustain its operations. As of 2020, Signal ran entirely on donations.

3. Grants: Signal has received grants from organizations such as the Knight Foundation, the Shuttleworth Foundation, and the Open Technology Fund (OTF), a US government-sponsored initiative.

4. Subsidies: Signal's parent organization, the Signal Technology Foundation, receives subsidies from the Signal Foundation, which is funded by donations and grants.

Signal's non-profit status and open-source nature ensure that the app remains free and accessible to users worldwide, without the need for advertising or data monetization. The organization's commitment to user privacy and security is reflected in its mission to "protect free expression and enable secure global communication through open source privacy technology."

espn ✔️ 1y ago

But the OTF funds projects well known in the CyberSecurity world, even Tails, so I wouldn't worry much, if privacy maxi, use SimpleX Chat, or Session App, IMO hands down best

privacy and adoption is growing, even non tech savvy individuals can be on boarded easily

**#What is known of OTF?**#

Open Technology Fund (OTF) funds a variety of projects focused on internet freedom, digital security, and privacy. Some examples of projects funded by OTF include:

Technology development and implementation projects, such as:

+ Secure operating systems (e.g., Qubes and Tails)

+ Anonymizing browsers (e.g., Tor)

+ Encrypted message services (e.g., Signal)

+ VPN and circumvention solutions for users in highly restrictive censorship environments

Research projects, including:

+ Analysis of novel online censorship and surveillance techniques

+ Exploration of solutions to address these threats

Digital security projects, such as:

+ Security audits for open-source projects (e.g., Cryptocat, Commotion Wireless, TextSecure, GlobaLeaks, MediaWiki, OpenPGP.js, Nitrokey, Ricochet, and Signal)

+ Bug bounty programs (e.g., for The Tor Project)

Convenings and community learning initiatives

Support for user costs for open-source projects and communities

Emergency support for journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations facing digital threats and attacks

OTF also provides ongoing project support for activities such as security audits, usability and user safety, translations, and community learning. Additionally, the fund offers matching donations for auditing non-OTF-supported projects that are in use by individuals and organizations under threat of censorship/surveillance.

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