Each SimpleX release gets me closer to using it. The upcoming v5.8 update is no exception:

This release focus is improving the app usability, and preparing the foundation for v5.8 that will provide an in-built protection of user IP addresses when connecting to unknown file and messaging servers, reducing the need to use Tor (which would still remain supported via SOCKS proxy, for additional privacy).

And another round of security audits:

We are planning a 3rd party security audit for the protocols and cryptography design in July 2024, and also the security audit for an implementation in December 2024/January 2025,

Looking good.

Edit: SimpleX v5.7.5 is 313 MB without Data/Cache on Android. Yikes.

No E2EE for DMs, groups, or notes.

That’s going to be the deal breaker for most.

The huge red flag to me is that Signal is no longer decried as the devil of western intelligence anymore.

Frank Figliuzzi (former FBI cointel) and Chuck Rosenberg (former DEA admin) used to rail on about all of the dangers posed by Signal, but I haven’t heard an unkind word in over a couple years now.

Privacy aside, but just for a second

I apologize, you were very clear about being outside of privacy. Forgive me, I’m having trouble separating its context in this regard.

I liken level of standard similar to personal reputation. At the end of the day, that’s all we have—we accept what we are willing to live with.

We each make a choice according to our level of comfort in concern to privacy, or lack thereof, in how we choose to conduct ourselves afforded by the solutions we utilize and the rituals we observe.

Remember, privacy can never be enforced or guaranteed, only encouraged. Best practices, as available, as it were.

I think some people get lost and don’t realize that this is a privacy-centric community.

The mere potential for identifier leaking is 100% anti-privacy.

a service that hasn’t been audited

• Announcement: The security audit was performed in October 2022 by Trail of Bits, and most fixes were released in v4.2.0
• Audit: Trail of Bits - February 2, 2023 - SimpleX Chat - Security Assessment

Edit: provided link to audit