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mostlysignssomeportents · 5 months

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An adversarial iMessage client for Android

Adversarial interoperability is one of the most reliable ways to protect tech users from predatory corporations: that's when a technologist reverse-engineers an existing product to reconfigure or mod it (interoperability) in ways its users like, but which its manufacturer objects to (adversarial):

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/10/adversarial-interoperability

"Adversarial interop" is a mouthful, so at EFF, we coined the term "competitive compatibility," or comcom, which is a lot easier to say and to spell.

Scratch any tech success and you'll find a comcom story. After all, when a company turns its screws on its users, it's good business to offer an aftermarket mod that loosens them again. HP's $10,000/gallon inkjet ink is like a bat-signal for third-party ink companies. When Mercedes announces that it's going to sell you access to your car's accelerator pedal as a subscription service, that's like an engraved invitation to clever independent mechanics who'll charge you a single fee to permanently unlock that "feature":

https://www.techdirt.com/2023/12/05/carmakers-push-forward-with-plans-to-make-basic-features-subscription-services-despite-widespread-backlash/

Comcom saved giant tech companies like Apple. Microsoft tried to kill the Mac by rolling out a truly cursèd version of MS Office for MacOS. Mac users (5% of the market) who tried to send Word, Excel or Powerpoint files to Windows users (95% of the market) were stymied: their files wouldn't open, or they'd go corrupt. Tech managers like me started throwing the graphic designer's Mac and replacing it with a Windows box with a big graphics card and Windows versions of Adobe's tools.

Comcom saved Apple's bacon. Apple reverse-engineered MS's flagship software suite and made a comcom version, iWork, whose Pages, Numbers and Keynote could flawlessly read and write MS's Word, Excel and Powerpoint files:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/06/adversarial-interoperability-reviving-elegant-weapon-more-civilized-age-slay

It's tempting to think of iWork as benefiting Apple users, and certainly the people who installed and used it benefited from it. But Windows users also benefited from iWork. The existence of iWork meant that Windows users could seamlessly collaborate on and share files with their Mac colleagues. IWork didn't just add a new feature to the Mac ("read and write files that originated with Windows users") – it also added a feature to Windows: "collaborate with Mac users."

Every pirate wants to be an admiral. Though comcom rescued Apple from a monopolist's sneaky attempt to drive it out of business, Apple – now a three trillion dollar company – has repeatedly attacked comcom when it was applied to Apple's products. When Apple did comcom, that was progress. When someone does comcom to Apple, that's piracy.

Apple has many tools at its disposal that Microsoft lacked in the early 2000s. Radical new interpretations of existing copyright, contract, patent and trademark law allows Apple – and other tech giants – to threaten rivals who engage in comcom with both criminal and civil penalties. That's right, you can go to prison for comcom these days. No wonder Jay Freeman calls this "felony contempt of business model":

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/09/lead-me-not-into-temptation/#chamberlain

Take iMessage, Apple's end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) instant messaging tool. Apple customers can use iMessage to send each other private messages that can't be read or altered by third parties – not cops, not crooks, not even Apple. That's important, because when private messaging systems get hacked, bad things happen:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_celebrity_nude_photo_leak

But Apple has steadfastly refused to offer an iMessage app for non-Apple systems. If you're an Apple customer holding a sensitive discussion with an Android user, Apple refuses to offer you a tool to maintain your privacy. Those messages are sent "in the clear," over the 38-year-old SMS protocol, which is trivial to spy on and disrupt.

Apple sacrifices its users' security and integrity in the hopes that they will put pressure on their friends to move into Apple's walled garden. As CEO Tim Cook told a reporter: if you want to have secure communications with your mother, buy her an iPhone:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tim-cook-says-buy-mom-210347694.html

Last September, a 16-year old high school student calling himself JJTech published a technical teardown of iMessage, showing how any device could send and receive encrypted messages with iMessage users, even without an Apple ID:

https://jjtech.dev/reverse-engineering/imessage-explained/

JJTech even published code to do this, in an open source library called Pypush:

https://github.com/JJTech0130/pypush

In the weeks since, Beeper has been working to productize JJTech's code, and this week, they announced Beeper Mini, an Android-based iMessage client that is end-to-end encrypted:

https://beeper.notion.site/How-Beeper-Mini-Works-966cb11019f8444f90baa314d2f43a54

Beeper is known for a multiprotocol chat client built on Matrix, allowing you to manage several kinds of chat from a single app. These multiprotocol chats have been around forever. Indeed, iMessage started out as one – when it was called "iChat," it supported Google Talk and Jabber, another multiprotocol tool. Other tools like Pidgin have kept the flame alive for decades, and have millions of devoted users:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2021/07/tower-babel-how-public-interest-internet-trying-save-messaging-and-banish-big

But iMessage support has remained elusive. Last month, Nothing launched Sunchoice, a disastrous attempt to bring iMessage to Android, which used Macs in a data-center to intercept and forward messages to Android users, breaking E2EE and introducing massive surveillance risks:

https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/21/23970740/sunbird-imessage-app-shut-down-privacy-nothing-chats-phone-2

Beeper Mini does not have these defects. The system encrypts and decrypts messages on the Android device itself, and directly communicates with Apple's servers. It gathers some telemetry for debugging, and this can be turned off in preferences. It sends a single SMS to Apple's servers during setup, which changes your device's bubble from green to blue, so that Apple users now correctly see your device as a secure endpoint for iMessage communications.

Beeper Mini is now available in Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beeper.ima&hl=en_US

Now, this is a high-stakes business. Apple has a long history of threatening companies like Beeper over conduct like this. And Google has a long history deferring to those threats – as it did with OG App, a superior third-party Instagram app that it summarily yanked after Meta complained:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/05/battery-vampire/#drained

But while iMessage for Android is good for Android users, it's also very good for Apple customers, who can now get the privacy and security guarantees of iMessage for all their contacts, not just the ones who bought the same kind of phone as they did. The stakes for communications breaches have never been higher, and antitrust scrutiny on Big Tech companies has never been so intense.

Apple recently announced that it would add RCS support to iOS devices (RCS is a secure successor to SMS):

https://9to5mac.com/2023/11/16/apple-rcs-coming-to-iphone/

Early word from developers suggests that this support will have all kinds of boobytraps. That's par for the course with Apple, who love to announce splashy reversals of their worst policies – like their opposition to right to repair – while finding sneaky ways to go on abusing its customers:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/22/vin-locking/#thought-differently

The ball is in Apple's court, and, to a lesser extent, in Google's. As part of the mobile duopoly, Google has joined with Apple in facilitating the removal of comcom tools from its app store. But Google has also spent millions on an ad campaign shaming Apple for exposing its users to privacy risks when talking to Android users:

https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/21/23883609/google-rcs-message-apple-iphone-ipager-ad

While we all wait for the other shoe to drop, Android users can get set up on Beeper Mini, and technologists can kick the tires on its code libraries and privacy guarantees.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/07/blue-bubbles-for-all/#never-underestimate-the-determination-of-a-kid-who-is-time-rich-and-cash-poor

#pluralistic #multiprotocol #interoperability #adversarial interop #beeper #reverse engineering #blue bubbles #green bubbles #e2ee #end to end encrypted #messaging #jjtech #pypushbeeper mini #matrix #competitive compatibility #comcom

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incognitopolls · 3 months

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We ask your questions so you don’t have to! Submit your questions to have them posted anonymously as polls.

#polls #incognito polls #anonymous #tumblr polls #tumblr users #questions #polls about the internet #texting #double texting #messaging #submitted nov 14

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anarchist-caravan · 1 year

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Chat Control 2.0 also means the end of private communication. Hell world.

#Chat Control 2.0 #Linux OS #linux #E.U.#laws #privacy #messaging #Internet

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mapsontheweb · 3 months

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Most Popular Messaging App in Every Country

#maps #apps #messaging

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puddle-turtle · 9 months

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friendly reminder that u can reverse tumblr updates on mobile by downloading an old app apk

step 1: go to your app/play store, turn off tumblr auto-update

step 2: delete tumblr

step 3: google 'tumblr old versions' and find the either ios, android, or whatever other system you have

step 4: scroll back a couple versions and click install on one you want

step 4.5: you may need to give your browser permission to install apps

step 5: click on the download, bam now u have old tumblr

step 6 ig?: swipe down on the blue banner in app telling you to update

anyways reblog this or send this to ur local mobile-using autist who wants pretty dms again

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tomorrowusa · 4 months

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« Trump can’t beat Biden, but apathy just might. And the stakes are far too high to let that happen. »

— Columnist Eugene Robinson at the Washington Post. (archived)

Engagement is the opposite of apathy. Both engagement and apathy are contagious. We set the tone for people around us. Even boosting our signals can have an effect over time.

Be constant about messaging, this is a ten month project. Voters need to be continuously and creatively reminded of the stakes this year. If you don't remind them, who will?

Liberals tend to be squeamish about repetition; but repetition is the best friend of campaigners and advertisers. It doesn't matter if people you know get tired of your message as long as your message sinks in and becomes regarded as common knowledge.

Chances are that you still remember advertising jingles and slogans that you heard on TV when you were 7 or 8. That's how effective repetition is.

Ronald Reagan, no fan of the Evil Empire, was apparently fond of the Russian proverb "Доверяй, но проверяй" (Trust but verify). We should keep a different Russian proverb in mind this year: "Повторение - мать учения" (Repetition is the mother of learning).

We have it easy compared to Ukraine. They need to shoot down deadly missiles and drones Russia buys from North Korea and Iran. We only need to publicly and repeatedly shoot down MAGA bullshit and conspiracy theories while robustly firing back with our defense of democracy.

Of course things like voter registration and GOTV are still absolutely essential. But those are facilitated when there's a constant background vibe that freedom and democracy are on the line in November.

#donald trump #oppose trump's dictatorship agenda #republicans despise democracy #republicans hate freedom #messaging #repetition is your friend #democracy is under threat #register to vote #vote blue no matter who #election 2024 #eugene robinson

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wip · 5 months

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Is there any way you can make it so that we can amend or edit typos in comments or in messages after they’ve been sent?

Answer: Hey, @poetrybyonur!

It's a good idea! Though our proverbial plates are rather full right now, we hope we can get around to this in the not-too-distant future. Sadly, we are unable to offer anything more concrete right now—but we'll keep you in the loop.

#feature #messaging #editing #comments #backend #your suggestions

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animalsandskyyy · 10 months

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I’m trying to enter a “thoughtfully messaging people” era. so if I see something that reminds me of someone? i’m sending it to them. miss talking with someone? i’m messaging them. just want someone to know i’m thinking of them? i’m telling them that.

best case, it makes their day or it starts a conversation. worst case, they don’t respond… so i’d say those are pretty good odds.

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bardass · 2 months

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if i don’t respond or talk to you for a while just assume i fell into a hole.

is it a hyperfixation rabbithole because i got distracted and then forgot to message back? a procrastination pit where i can see your message but it’s just out of reach and im desperately clawing through my executive dysfunction to get to it? a literal wormhole??? who’s to say.

sorry i took forever to respond. yeah i was in the hole. you know the one.

#sometimes we just need some hole time #adhd #hyperfixations #procrastination #executive dysfunction #text post #mine #bardass posts #bardass speaks #meme #sort of #messaging #texting

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ghostieeeee · 8 months

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𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃-

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: Danielle as your girlfriend, Hyein as your "child"

ᶜᵘᵗ ʰᵉʳᵉ ✄-----------------------------------------

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 | 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 | 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓

#danielle #danielle marsh #danielle x reader #newjeans danielle #danielle messaging #messaging #newjeans danielle marsh

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pistachiozombie · 10 months

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Hot tip for receivers of anon hate:

Literally just ignore it.

The hater will waste their time waiting for your response, refreshing your blog to see if its posted... and if you were to post as usual without any sort of indicator that you recieved anon hate, they will get little to no satisfaction.

People who send anon hate use your noted strengths or weaknesses and try to harm you with that information, because that's they only way they know how on the internet.

They are jealous, envious, and hateful of your happiness, creativity, or place in life, so they lash out.

They are ONE SPECK of dust on the internet that sent you that nastiness. Don't let that speck gain any pleasure in succeeding to harm you by playing their game and letting them win. Eventually they will move on. They are NOTHING in your story.

Only spread positivity. 🌿

#anon hate #psa #advice #i get anon hate but only publish like 1% of it #anon #messaging

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iconuk01 · 1 year

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Okay, is it just me or is Direct Messaging no longer a thing on tumblr?

I still have the icon for it, but nothing happens when I click on it. (I still have the Inbox option, but I've never been as keen on that one as it doesn't keep history)

Did I miss a memo announcing DM's were closing down, or is it just "One of those tumblr things?"

#messaging

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mapsontheweb · 4 months

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Most popular messaging app in European countries.

by earthonmaps

#maps #earthonmaps #igsourced #apps #messaging #europe

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burningspy · 4 months

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I have become annoyed.

It has now been 11 days and my messaging on here is still locked.

Also, after all this time, Tumblr @staff still has not even provided me with any kind of explanation as to why the messaging features of my account were locked to begin with.

I actually took the time to read through the community guidelines and TOS for this site. While going through it, I did find something interesting. Tumblr's own guidelines state that if they believe you are in violation of (something), they may contact you by email and notify you of any potential violation before taking any action against your account; giving you a chance to either explain your actions or appeal the potential violation.

None of that has happened for me. My messages were just randomly locked one day while I was in the middle of a conversation and I haven't been able to access them since.

I believe this technically puts Tumblr in violation of their own policies! Especially since, after nearly two weeks, I still have not received any formal explanation as to why they may have taken any action against my account like this, as well as not providing me any opportunity to appeal this decision.

If I had messages and asks available, I would ask any "legally minded" people to contact me and let me know if there is possibly any action I could take in this matter, but Tumblr won't let me communicate with anyone on here. Which is the issue to begin with.

Who knows, maybe the Tumblr staffers will see this post and finally reactivate everything soon. But I seriously doubt it.

Maybe if I was a porn bot they would help me out. Since those things seem to never get penalized for anything.

#tumblr #staff #tumblr staff #personal #mine #messaging #I can't talk to you #I can't talk to anyone #help me out #I just want to chat with my friends and colleagues on here!#set me free!

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thepublishingpress · 5 months

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Prettigoddess made a chat

Prettigoddess added seaking, lightninman, Athena Parthenos, Artemis Agrotera, sunboi, and kween_Hera

Prettigoddess: hi everyone <3

Athena Parthenos: What. Is. This.

Prettigoddess: well if you must ask

i made us a groupchat!

sunboi: OH HECK YEAH

I NAME IT

kween_Hera: obviously i should name it first

queen of the gods and all

lightninman: woman i am the king

I gave u ur status what the styx?????

seaking: hera

youre going to start an argument

kween_Hera: i’d like to see them try to refute my claim

That includes you zeus

lightninman disliked this message

seaking: i need to go see my lovely Amphritrite

Artemis Agrotera: Aphrodite

Where are the others?

Prettigoddess: wdym artie

Artemis Agrotera: where are Hades, Persephone, Hestia, Hephaestus, Hermes, Dionysus, Demeter and Ares? One would assume you would add your favorite boyfriend.

Prettigoddess: oh i forgot them

Athena Parthenos: That was… blunt.

sunboi: at least she was honest! i like honesty!

Artemis Agrotera: we know, Apollo.

Athena Parthenos: we know, Apollo.

sunboi: ANYWAY

NAMES

WAHT SHOULD WE CALL THE GROUPCHAT

Athena Parthenos: groupchat of the gods?

sunboi: BOOOORING

be more creative, thena!!!!

Artemis Agrotera: i dont know apollo

Im too busy hunting

sunboi: ughhhh we need more minds!!!!

that’s it im adding the others

wait i cant

Artemis Agrotera: lmao sucks to suck

sunboi: shut up artieeeee

@Prettigoddess plsssss will you add the reast of the gods????

Prettigoddess: okies <3

sunboi: <3

Prettigoddess added king_of_DEATH, goddess of spring, hades i want my child, warwarwar, machines <3, drunk_on_LOOOOVE, messenger pigeon, and Hestia Baseleia

warwarwar: hey ‘dite 😘

Prettigoddess: 😘 hiii ares <3333

machines <3: gross

i am so glad we divorced aphrodite

Prettigoddess: same

how’s aglaea

machines <3: my wife is fine, thanks

Hestia Baseleia: aphrodite

what is this

Prettigoddess: hey hestia!!! Its called a groupchat, dear :)

Hestia Baseleia: ah i see

why is it called unnamed?

sunboi: we (dite) brought you all in here to help us pick a name!!!

Athena Parthenos: i have already suggested to Apollo that we name the chat Groupchat of the Gods.

sunboi: and i have already said that that is boring as heck and we are NOT going to pick that.

Athena Parthenos: I’m not the best at names, Apollo! Dionysus, help!

drunk_on_LOOOOVE: gotta agree w/ ‘pols

sorry ‘thena

Athena Parthenos: Is this was betrayal feels like

Dionysus, you were my favorite

drunk_on_LOOOOVE: but you weren’t mine <3

sunboi: oooh buuurn!!!!

messenger pigeon: F in the chat for Athena

drunk_on_LOOOOVE: f

sunboi: f

Hestia Baseleia: I suppose i’ll just put f

warwarwar: F

machines <3: f

hades i want my child: f

king_of_DEATH: f

goddess of spring: f

Athena Parthenos: … can we just get back to picking names?

Please?

sunboi: fine

Ideas ppl

I want them now

goddess of spring: hmmm…

What about Being Dysfunctional Sucks

machines <3: Persephone

While that is very true

Perhaps we can shorten it

messenger pigeon: wb

Dysfunctional Fam™

sunboi: oh. my. god.

BRILLIANT HERMES!!!

I KNEW YOU WERE THE BEST

messenger pigeon: you literally tried to kill me when i was a baby

A baby

sunboi: weve all tried to kill each other so hush

hades i want my child: ye but he was a child

I am very protective of children after what happened to my dear Perse

goddess of spring: mother ive told you time and time again IM FINE

HADES IS FINE

king_of_DEATH: awww perse im fine???? Tysm <33333

goddess of spring: nooo hades dear

Youre amazingggg <33333

kind_of_DEATH: <33333

Artemis Agrotera: pls stop b4 i puke

Prettigoddess: artie stop being so against

Loooooove

Artemis Agrotera: never

Prettigoddess: Anyway, ill name the chat

Prettigoddess has renamed the chat to Dysfunctional Fam™

Messenger pigeon: perfection

Everyone liked this message.

~*~

according to my sources, aka google, aglaea is hephaestus' new wife, which i think is obviously better than aphrodite. tbh, probably any goddess would be better than aphrodite. anyway, im enjoying this so far :) f in chat for athena <3

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