#end to end encrypted

[mostlysignssomeportents]

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

[embodiedfutures]

UPDATE! REBLOG THIS VERSION!

[victusinveritas]

[morninkim]

As a show of good faith toward the remaining Decepticons at the beginning of a new, united Cybertron, newly appointed Senators Bumblebee and Soundwave allowed Shatter and Dropkick to enlist into Autobot City's Defense Team.

These two turned out to be... not the best choices.

The city may have fallen to Insurgent Decepticon occupation had it not been for young recruits Hot Rod and Arcee's accidental interception of Shatter's communication with the fugitive Starscream.

To replace the errant Defense Team members, Springer and Blurr were reassigned from Iacon to Autobot City in their stead.

[tofueatingwokerati]

The UK no longer has end to end encryption thanks to Keir Starmer’s Labour government reanimating the zombie policy that is the Snoopers Charter, first peddled by Theresa May’s Tory government and rejected by the public.

Apple withdrawing end-to-end encrypted backups from the UK "creates a dangerous precedent which authoritarian countries will surely follow".

UK now likened to authoritarian regimes and why Starmer won’t challenge Trump since he is in lock step with US policies, openly goes after sick, disabled, pensioners and poorest, increasing their hardship rather than tax the mega rich. US policy is UK policy.

So what does this mean for Apple users in the UK?

All your data in the cloud is no longer secure in comparison to having ADP enabled and can be accessed by the government upon request. The GDPR is all but dead in the UK, there are now so many government policies that snoop on us by the back door with even news outlets online now charging us for access without *cookies enabled (data farming you whilst you read with no option to opt out unless you pay)

I checked with the ICO myself and it is a fully approved policy despite its contradiction to the rights of consent, removed in the process.

If you want a workaround here are my suggestions

Cancel your iCloud storage, your data will stay on the cloud until the renewal date, use that time to back it up locally or on a flash drive.

Change your iMessage settings to delete audio messages after 2 minutes and permanently delete messages after 30 days.

Alternatively, use a third party messaging app with a delete on read feature and disable Apple iMessage altogether.

If you are tech savvy you can set up a USB drive or flash drive directly into your router hub (you should have at least one USB slot, some have two) and use FTP to back up over wifi, you can do this on any device, you don’t need a desktop.

Use a VPN service or set one up. If you’re really technical you can use a Raspberry Pi to do this, but you will need to hard code it. Think Mr Robot.

This change does not impact sensitive data like medical details which remain end to end encrypted.

If you want to learn more on the sweeping bills being pushed through government and any action your can take visit Big Brother Watch: https://bigbrotherwatch.org.uk

*If you want to read news articles without paying for the privilege of not handing over your cookie data, simply disable javascript within your browsers settings and refresh the browser page. Remember to turn it back on when your done. Alternatively disable all cookies but know this will impact your online experience and access.

[allthegeopolitics]

Discord, one of the largest group chat apps in the world, announced on Tuesday that audio and video calls inside the platform will now be end-to-end encrypted (E2EE), meaning even Discord won’t know what users in those conversations talk about.  In the last 10 years, end-to-end encrypted chat went from being a rare exception — think Skype in the mid-2000s — to a technology used by the world’s most popular chat apps, such as iMessage, WhatsApp, Signal, and Facebook Messenger, among others. Discord was born as a group chat platform for gamers, with an emphasis on audio calls for users playing online games together, but also became popular with people who simply want a place where a large number of people can interact. 

Continue Reading

[angelfacemjj]

Man, I might be wrong for having this sensation, but this usanerican election results might not be entirely the population's fault.

Considering that y'all's voting is on paper and it ain't even the voters who decide the president, but the delegates of each state....

[black-in-kansas]

Our Privacy Is In Serious Danger By The Government Right Now...

[dead-generations]

most of you are too young to know this but 10-15 years ago it was a common refrain that you couldn't really trust signal or that it was a CIA plot.

[clovermusic]

kid me did this song pretty good actually

[officialunionhr]

Good evening

I am here to shed light on the situation that my dearest is... becoming quite angry over.

Many months back, someone in our circles contacted the Albatross about a raiding operation members of his house were partaking in. I believe it was on the 12th of February that coordinates were sent via a decommissioned satellite array, and you responded as well.

I am acquainted with your department, and do not think you are one to be involved in needless disputes. Thus I assume there was more to the situation that my partner is unaware of.

I understand he can come off as... well, you've heard, but his rage comes from fear that peace between our houses (and therefore our ability to see each other) is under threat. In addition, his current state lends itself well to increased irritability. Perhaps when he recovers fully you can see his true, kind, self.

Thank you for your patience.

//ENCRYPTED TRANSMISSION // I would tell him about the true nature of the raids, as I know he would respond favourably then... but I fear I will be overheard by those who do not approve. // END TRANSMISSION //

Hello!

Thank you for the timeframe, it helped me find my logs of the event you and your partner are speaking about.

To clarify, the raiding action Albatross was informed about was this aformentioned Karrakin house engaging in raid on a diasporan world with the intent of capturing and kidnapping various member's of the civillian populace, for transport to karrakin worlds in the efforts of bolstering the supplies of slave labour.

As i have already responded to your partner's latest message i would request you share this information with him as well, so that we can clear the air. I would also like to apologize for any bad taste's i may have left in our interactions, I'm ex military and my family only barely escaped from a house Ludra mining world, so i have very little love in my heart for the Karrakin noble houses and take satisfaction in seeing their efforts to trample the rights of other's undone.

This being said i do encourage your partner to perhaps invest more heavily into breathing exercises in the future, they did remarkabley well in calming me down back when i still had organic lungs.

Signed: [REDACTED]

[olivergisttv]

End-to-End Encrypted Everything: Building a Fully Secure Digital Life

Welcome to 2025—where everything is “smart,” everything is online, and everything is (potentially) watching you. Your bank. Your DMs. Your notes app. Even your doorbell. While convenience is at an all-time high, so is vulnerability. Data leaks. Phishing. Identity theft. Creepy targeted ads that know you better than your mum. But what if you could lock it all down—from your messages to your files,…

[smokestudioz]

In-house & End To End Post Production Services

Delhi’s Best Video Spots Every Production House Should Know

Delhi isn’t just India’s capital—it's also a filmmaker’s paradise. From majestic historical monuments and colorful markets to lush green gardens and urban skylines, Delhi offers a vast canvas for creators. Whether you're shooting a commercial, a fashion film, or a brand video, choosing the right location is key to capturing visuals that resonate. For video creators and production houses, knowing Delhi’s most cinematic spots can be the difference between a good shoot and a visually unforgettable one.

Here’s a curated list of Delhi’s best video shoot locations—each offering a unique character that can elevate any project.

1. Humayun’s Tomb – Royal Backdrops with Historic Grandeur

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is perfect for cinematic storytelling. Its golden-hour lighting and sandstone textures make it a favorite for creators who want timeless frames.

2. Lodhi Art District – Urban, Artistic & Trendy

It's an ideal location for lifestyle and fashion videos, music content, or brand stories aimed at younger audiences. The district reflects Delhi’s progressive spirit and creativity.

3. Connaught Place – Classic Meets Contemporary

From colonial-era architecture to bustling cafes and urban plazas, CP offers diversity in a single space. It's ideal for shooting promotional videos, brand testimonials, or any visual content that needs to blend tradition with modern appeal.

4. Agrasen ki Baoli – Atmospheric and Timeless

This centuries-old stepwell in the heart of Delhi is one of the most dramatic urban locations for filming. The descending steps and symmetrical stone walls make for highly cinematic visuals. It’s often used in brand videos that require mystique or cultural depth.

5. Mehrauli Archaeological Park – Nature Meets History

Adjacent to Qutub Minar, this less-explored location provides ruins, domes, and wide open spaces all in one. It’s perfect for shooting poetic visuals, product showcases, or experimental fashion films.

6. India Gate & Rajpath – Iconic Frames for National Pride

Need to inject patriotism or institutional grandeur into your video? India Gate offers one of the most recognized visuals in the country. Great for NGO films, political content, or corporate profiles with a national message.

Why Location Is Just the Start

While these stunning sites offer endless visual potential, the magic of a great video doesn’t stop at the shoot. That’s where in-house film production and end to end post-production services play a vital role.

At Smoke Studioz, we handle everything under one roof—from location planning and storyboarding to editing, sound design, and final delivery. With our in-house film production setup, we maintain creative control, speed, and quality throughout the production cycle. This ensures seamless execution and brand consistency.

Our end to end post-production services cover everything from video editing, color correction, and VFX to sound mixing and subtitling. We bring raw footage to life with professional-grade finishing that meets industry standards and enhances viewer engagement.

Why Choose Smoke Studioz

We’re not just another video production house. Based in South Delhi, Smoke Studioz has worked with a range of brands—from local startups to national campaigns. We specialize in location-based shoots and have hands-on experience navigating Delhi’s best and most challenging spots.

If you’re a brand, agency, or independent filmmaker looking to capture Delhi in its most authentic or stylized form, we’re here to help—from shoot to screen.

Contact Smoke Studioz:

Phone: +91 9736303229

Email: hello@smokestudioz.com

Address: B92/A First Floor, Block A, Chhattarpur, Delhi 110074

Website: www.smokestudioz.com

Instagram: @smokestudioz

Whether you're filming in the heritage zones of Mehrauli or creating social content in Lodhi Colony, knowing the right locations—and having the right team—is everything. With a production partner like Smoke Studioz, you can make the most of Delhi’s stunning visuals and turn them into compelling content that works.

[ethoraofficial]

Ethora: A Secure, Open-Source Messaging App

those who already understand the benefits of open-source messaging apps and are deeply concerned about security, privacy, and data ownership, there's a powerful alternative worth exploring: Ethora.

🛡️ Why Ethora?

Fully open-source and self-hostable

End-to-end encryption using modern protocols

No data harvesting, tracking, or ads

Built for communities, teams, and enterprises

Supports messaging, content feeds, gamification, and tokens Ethora is designed with privacy-first principles — but with even more flexibility for those who want to host their own communication platforms or integrate messaging into their apps and services.