this post was submitted on 23 Jul 2023
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Hate to use the app but many relatives only have one. Is there any privacy hardened versions for Android?

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[–] LemmyNameMyself@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

There isn't really an alternetive launcher but you could download a firewall app like NetGuard and block every connection exept g.whatsapp.net

[–] carloshr@feddit.cl 2 points 1 year ago

You need to also allow mmg.whatsapp.net and some CDN domains to allow download image and files.

[–] Cistello@reddthat.com 2 points 1 year ago

Beeper I guess It's just Matrix with it's bridges

[–] jeena@jemmy.jeena.net 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] chockblock@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Is the fact that you're using a bridge at all apparent to your WhatsApp friends? Or is nothing different as far as they are concerned? Also, does Element have a setting to prevent pictures and video from being automatically downloaded over cellular data?

[–] jeena@jemmy.jeena.net 1 points 1 year ago

They have no idea. And I've no idea if there is such a setting.

What do you mean by privacy hardened? The messages are going through Facebook's servers, so there's very little you can do in terms of privacy for your conversations. If you want to limit its ability to touch your things on your phone, track you on your phone, be able to use your phone's sensors, etc., then maybe a Matrix bridge or WhatsApp WebToGo on F-Droid? Honestly, I'm interested in a good alternative, because I couldn't get the matrix bridge working several years ago, and WhatsApp WebToGo has issues staying connected and requires a dedicated WhatsApp phone that stays at home or wherever.

[–] Goldmaster@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

There are none. As its Facebook.

You are better of inviting them to Signal. If they know how to use WhatsApp, then they know how to use Signal. It's designed to be as easy as possible, while secure and private.

[–] Virkkunen@kbin.social 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That's not how it works on real life. Sure you can invite a handful of people there, but they won't last because their friends aren't there, every one is on WhatsApp

[–] CrypticCoffee@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 year ago

Yes, but if the contacts you care about it have it, it's useful for you.

[–] XpeeN@sopuli.xyz 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I use it. It's not great. Basically, you keep a phone at home with WhatsApp installed and running. Then WhatsApp ToGo will connect to it, as though you're connecting from a web browser. And like the web version of WhatsApp, it will occasionally disconnect and require you to resync with the QR.

[–] LeTak@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago

Beeper is maybe an alternative. It is basically a matrix bridge. But not only for WhatsApp, also for signal and iMessage and many more. (Now in Beta, later 10$ a month subscription) https://www.beeper.com

[–] Starfish@kbin.social 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Never tried it but there is Franz and certain plugins for Bitlbee and Pidgin Messenger