Abstract:
Signal, the encrypted communication tool recommended by Elon Musk, has long insisted on a mobile phone number registration mechanism. Although users can hide their mobile phone numbers by adding usernames, they must provide their mobile phone numbers when initially registering. This has led to many privacy-conscious users refusing to provide their mobile phone numbers to register for Signal.
After years of discussions, Signal is finally opening up a pure username registration mechanism. That is, users no longer need to provide their mobile phone numbers when registering an account. In the future, users can also be added and chatted normally through usernames. The entire process does not require users to provide their real mobile phone numbers.
Tackling abuse with a $3 registration fee:
Signal's username registration mechanism is currently available in the Android beta version. Users can choose the no-number registration option when registering an account. However, after choosing this registration method, users must pay a fee of US$3. After paying the fee, they can obtain the account ID and password used to log in.
Why is there a registration fee? The reason is also very simple. There are also a large number of fraudulent accounts on Signal used for fraud and sending advertisements. Charging a one-time registration fee can increase the cost of maintaining an account for the fraud gang, so if users do not want to expose their mobile phone numbers, they should pay a registration fee of US$3.
In addition, the payment information during registration will not be associated with the Signal account. The payment mechanism uses the same zero-knowledge proof as the Signal donation function. Therefore, the user's payment information is completely separated from the account, and there will be no association. Even Signal cannot identify it.
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