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diff --git a/content/blog/2020-03-25-session-messenger.md b/content/blog/2020-03-25-session-messenger.md deleted file mode 100644 index 627d249..0000000 --- a/content/blog/2020-03-25-session-messenger.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,136 +0,0 @@ -+++ -date = 2020-03-25 -title = "Session Private Messenger" -description = "Exploring the Session Private Messenger application." -+++ - -# Privacy Warning - -The company behind Session (Loki Foundation) is from Australia. If you -didn't know, Australia has introduced -[legislation](https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/bills/r6195_aspassed/toc_pdf/18204b01.pdf) -mandating companies comply with government requests to build backdoor -access into applications. For more information, read my article on [AES -Encryption](./2020-01-25-aes-encryption.html). - -# About Session - -[Session](https://getsession.org) is a private, cross-platform messaging -app from the [Loki Foundation](https://loki.foundation). As someone who -has spent years looking for quality alternatives to major messaging -apps, I was excited when I first heard about Session. Reading through -[Session's white paper](https://arxiv.org/pdf/2002.04609.pdf), you can -learn the technologies behind the Session app. Part of the security of -Session comes from the Signal protocol, which was forked as the origin -of Session. - -> Session is an end-to-end encrypted messenger that removes sensitive -> metadata collection, and is designed for people who want privacy and -> freedom from any forms of surveillance. - -In general, this app promises security through end-to-end encryption, -decentralized onion routing, and private identities. The biggest change -that the Loki Foundation has made to the Signal protocol is removing the -need for a phone number. Instead, a random identification string is -generated for any session you create. This means you can create a new -session for each device if you want to, or link new devices with your -ID. - -Since Session's website and white paper describe the details of -Session's security, I'm going to focus on using the app in this post. - -# Features - -Since most people are looking for an alternative to a popular chat app, -I am going to list out the features that Session has so that you are -able to determine if the app would suit your needs: - -- Multiple device linking (via QR code or ID) -- App locking via device screen lock, password, or fingerprint -- Screenshot blocking -- Incognito keyboard -- Read receipts and typing indicators -- Mobile notification customization -- Old message deletion and conversation limit -- Backups -- Recovery phrase -- Account deletion, including ID, messages, sessions, and contacts - -# Downloads - -I have tested this app on Ubuntu 19.10, Android 10, macOS Monterey, and -iOS 15. All apps have worked well without many issues. - -Below is a brief overview of the Session app on Linux. To get this app, -you'll need to go to the [Downloads](https://getsession.org/download/) -page and click to link to the operating system you're using. - -For Linux, it will download an AppImage that you'll need to enable with -the following command: - -```sh -sudo chmod u+x session-messenger-desktop-linux-x86_64-1.0.5.AppImage -``` - - - -# Creating an Account - -Once you've installed the app, simply run the app and create your -unique Session ID. It will look something like this: -`05af1835afdd63c947b47705867501d6373f486aa1ae05b1f2f3fcd24570eba608`. - -You'll need to set a display name and, optionally, a password. If you -set a password, you will need to enter it every time you open the app. - - - - - - - -# Start Messaging - -Once you've created your account and set up your profile details, the -next step is to start messaging other people. To do so, you'll need to -share your Session ID with other people. From this point, it's fairly -straightforward and acts like any other messaging app, so I won't dive -into much detail here. - -## macOS - - - -One key feature to note is that the desktop application now provides a -helpful pop-up box explaining the process that Session uses to hide your -IP address: - - - -## iOS - -The mobile app is quite simple and effective, giving you all the -standard mobile messaging options you'd expect. - - - -# Potential Issues - -I've discovered one annoying issue that would prevent from using this -app regularly. On a mobile device, there have been issues with receiving -messages on time. Even with battery optimization disabled and no network -restrictions, Session notifications sometimes do not display until I -open the app or the conversation itself and wait a few moments. This is -actually one of the reasons I stopped using Signal (this seems fixed as -of my updates in 2021/2022, so I wouldn't worry about this issue -anymore). - -Looking for another messenger instead of Session? I recommend Signal, -Matrix, and IRC. |