[Request] Independent SMS and MMS encryption

BigB

Introduction

Hi,
I care about encrypting everything and let's say privacy
That's why I had been using Silence as my sms app before I switched to Ubuntu Touch.

It is not the best example but i focused mostly on its functionality.

I really miss this feature in Ubuntu Touch.

Question

Is it possible to create cross-platform app with independent sms and mms encryption without any account

Solution

Here will be the solution

Important

Here will be important information like limitations, progress

First post changelog

2020.08.16 - topic creation

AppLee

@BigB
Well, you don't need any account to use signal as well.
We have Axolotl client for signal in the open store.

SMS and MMS encryption is not really possible. If you write to someone without a compatible app, the SMS or MMS will only be gibberish. So you need something else to exchange keys and insure that the communication is secure.

The only difference that Silence offers is that you can save your data in using encryption over SMS...

BigB

@AppLee
Thanks for fast reply

To use signal I have to register my phone number.

Actually I use sms for instant messages with my familly, I realize that it is not comfortable for everyone but I try to avoid unnecessary registration and popular solutions (because governments of couple countries do have tools for spying. Having less popular solution even if it is fork may be better for privacy)

Manually Sharing kees by e.g. qr will be ok.

of course I know matrix but I wait for full e2e support in fluffychat

AppLee

@BigB
Well with Silence, you also had to register your phone number, that's how it knows which users can use encrypted messages.
Silence uses Signal's encryption, so no sweat if one is vulnerable, the other is too.

As for Matrix, you can read this thread and try it out.
https://forums.ubports.com/topic/4545/fluffychat-encryption-via-pantalaimon

BigB

@AppLee
maybe You are right

however silence is just an example of project, maybe not the best. Unfortunately I'm not developer (yet) so I can't start this project...

For now I mentioned Axolot as temporary solution

If I understood correctly axolotl can send encrypted sms and mms to other signal members without internet connection?

I just have given a try pantalaimon and it works good with fluffychat, thanks

However I'm still interested in sms and mms encryption even it has to be only between Ubuntu Touch devices.

AppLee

@BigB said in [Request] Independent SMS and MMS encryption:

However I'm still interested in sms and mms encryption even it has to be only between Ubuntu Touch devices.

That has to be developed.
And my guess is it will take time until it becomes a priority, but if someone with technical skills and will wants to work on it that will be welcome.

Axolotl is a client for Signal, I don't really know if it can send encrypted messages without internet connection (but I doubt it).
Maybe if @nanu-c comes around here he might answer that and maybe add this to his todo list.
You can check Gitlab for existing feature request or make one: https://github.com/nanu-c/axolotl/issues