this post was submitted on 21 Apr 2025
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Privacy
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~~Not very peer-to-peer when I need to open your website everytime or run a web server on my phone.~~
~~We already have Syncthing.~~
~~Normal people don't want to pay for a service or run a server.~~
~~To spread privacy, we need more apps to replace them with Syncthing. Like an app for this: https://lemmy.world/post/28313324~~
This fails to include a libre software license text file, like AGPL. We do not control it, anti-libre software. Very dangerous.
They target an app we already control, Syncthing, to replace it with an app/service only they control.
With buzzwords, technology, and 'open source', we are distracted and derailed away from this.
Attacks like this will quickly get your friends leaving private apps, which you worked so hard to recommend, when you fail to show them how to check for software freedom.
An entirely valid and understandable view to have. I'm sure you're not suggesting different approaches shouldn't be explored. My approach is fairly unique and im personally interested in what can be done with this.
This project is a PWA running on a S3 bucket. The app is free to use entirely. (Disclaimer: I'm in the process of putting something on the play store where I would like to charge for it.)
While syncthing seems appealing. There should always be options for approaching privacy. Mine stands out as a unique approach and so nessesary at least to demonstrate the concept.
I created an open source version first which demonstrates different concepts like instant messaging and video calls.
https://github.com/positive-intentions/chat
'Open source' misses the point of libre software. Throwing away control over our own computing never helps.
I don't think I'm fully understanding. It's purely a webapp. No database. Client-side computation only.
Can you help me understand how I could reshape my project so it aligns to what you mean.
Im putting a hard-block on open-sourcing it after my previous project. But I'm generally communicative about how it works and happy to answer questions about it.
Clearly, I am not asking how it works or about 'open source'.
Who controls the users' computing, its users? No. This is fixed by adding a libre software license text file.
Want more? See this text or video.
In the subject of licences, I don't really know much there.
Given that I'm trying to sell it on the play store I guess you don't control it?
What would be the concerns around this? Loads of things are close source. I expect it helps to create something competitive.
Paying for libre software is good. The Google Play Store is not libre software.
'Closed source' and 'open source' misses the point of libre software. Most things are trash. Making scams and malware competitive does not help us.
Thanks for the clarity.
To prevent things like the risk of infection, is why the app is primarily a webapp. Sanboxed by the browser of you choice.
This does not prevent anti-libre JavaScript software spreading to the browser.
https://www.reddit.com/r/cryptography/comments/1evdby4/is_this_a_secure_messaging_app/
This app is based on a similar technology. Maybe you can help me understand the concerns if it does all the things described in that post.
I am not talking about the control, not technology.
Thanks for the links. I'll need to learn more about this. My high-level thoughts are that I'd like control over my work so it may not be libre software.
That is your choice but not helpful for a privacy space or our devices.