There’s a discussion over on Privacy Guides@lemmy.one about using Matrix/Element (an open messaging protocol and leading client) for secure DMs on here, as you can add your Matrix ID to your account here and it becomes a secure messaging link on your profile. If I’ve done it right, you can see this in my profile as well as various ones in the first link.
However, it strikes me that, as a federated alternative to end-to-end encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, because you can start groups (public or private) and share your contact information without having to give out your mobile phone number, it might be useful for a team of moderators to discuss moderating issues on their community. At least until we get proper moderating tools and encrypted messaging here.
Anyway, worth considering as the community expands and we need to draft in more help. It certainly gave me the kick in the pants to register an account there. Even though I did a lot of reading on the subject and installed the app a few months back, I couldn’t see the usefulness to myself at that point. However, just having a means to enable secure DMs on here suddenly shifted it up my list of things to do. If it helps with moderating communities on here, then that’s gravy.
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I installed Element the other day myself. We must be on similar paths haha.
I’ll add my Account to my profile, but agree it could be a great way to handle something like this.
I’m looking at your profile on the web interface and can’t see a secure message link:
Can you check my profile?
Ok, on yours I can see a “Send Secure Message” but that opens up Element.
My Matrix username field had cleared out, so I added it again. Hopefully it stuck that time.
Alrighty, that’s working - I get a choice of apps: Element, SchildiChat and FluffyChat (I did install the first and last when I did my research). It looks like when you decide which app to use once, Matrix then only offers that option but there is a “change” link under the app information.
And that gets you back to giving you the three options.
I’ve sent you a test message through Element but will check it out through FluffyChat later.
OK, I’ve had a bit of a play with Matrix (largely on Element but I also have FluffyChat so will try that later) and:
a) it seems like a great option for everyone on here so DMs are encrypted and you don’t need to give anyone your email or mobile number.
b) it should prove very useful for Mods, especially when communities start needing teams. You can create a space (public or private) and within that you make rooms where people can talk. You can appoint moderators to the different groups as needed.
So while it is touted as WhatsApp replacement, it has more features, some of which should make it easier to moderate communities on here.
I’m still a novice but if anyone has any questions then drop them in. Equally, if you have tips for using Matrix then don’t be shy.
