SimpleX
In the future as our community and other communities grow, we will reach signal’s capacity of 1024 participants.
There are a few options to consider if signal doesn’t increase this capacity, including moderating strategies to reduce the number to more active users and other platforms such as matrix or simplex. One of those options is SimpleX which does not limit chats.
IrregularChat on SimpleX:
- Download SimpleX https://simplex.chat/
- Click SimpleX Link Here
Click the link directly Or copy and paste the url into your SimpleX Client:
https://simplex.chat/contact#/?v=2-6&smp=smp%3A%2F%2Fhejn2gVIqNU6xjtGM3OwQeuk8ZEbDXVJXAlnSBJBWUA%3D%40smp16.simplex.im%2Fh2MCQuRyT8-GOdmRBQL4VRo5qBYmImCf%23%2F%3Fv%3D1-3%26dh%3DMCowBQYDK2VuAyEA3rsADqbSXV6_PKMP9Qxc9rPsRU14nP60y4eAoVf7-yU%253D%26srv%3Dp3ktngodzi6qrf7w64mmde3syuzrv57y55hxabqcq3l5p6oi7yzze6qd.onion&data=%7B%22type%22%3A%22group%22%2C%22groupLinkId%22%3A%224BrfBcWuG-Ed5nG-VbslKA%3D%3D%22%7D
NOTE About FLUX Notification
Regarding pop up " xftp2.simplexonflux[.]com "
This popup is just informing you of a new relay server. It’s not a red flag — it’s actually a privacy upgrade.
You’re seeing that message because SimpleX Chat now uses servers run by a second provider (Flux) to improve privacy.
What you should do:
• If you’re using a VPN or Tor, you’re fine — your IP is hidden.
• If you’re not using either, your IP will be visible to the Flux server, just like it would be to SimpleX’s servers.
• If that bothers you, turn on a VPN or Tor before downloading.
• If you’re okay with Flux seeing your IP (same level of trust as SimpleX), go ahead and download.
Reference
After Setup
To search for some public groups on simplex you can use the directory explained here: SimpleX Directory Service
Direct Link: SimpleX Chat - Contact
Comparing SimpleX with Signal Messenger
Signal is a great platform that has wide adoption in some circles. Ultiimatly that wide adoption with good security is why many communities flock to it. SimpleX is surprisingly simple and has not only privacy and security advantages but it has built in moderating features that are still lacking in signal. Mods having the ability to mute users as issues get sorted out, the ability to send welcome messages as users join, and being able to build communities over 1024 particiapnts are great but for some communities the ability for mods to remove content
Comparison Table: Signal vs. SimpleX
| Aspect | Signal | SimpleX |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption Protocol | Uses end-to-end encryption via the Signal Protocol (combining X3DH with the Double Ratchet) to ensure message confidentiality, forward secrecy, and post-compromise security. | Employs the Double Ratchet algorithm (similar to Signal) with added encryption layers for metadata and routing protection. It’s also integrating post‑quantum encryption for future security. |
| Metadata Protection | Minimizes metadata by using techniques like sealed sender, which encrypts the sender’s identity. However, it still relies on a centralized server and uses phone numbers, exposing some metadata. | Provides maximal metadata obfuscation by using anonymous one-way message queues, no global user identifiers, and methods (like padding and mixing) to prevent linkage of conversations. |
| User Identification | Tied to a phone number (or a username alias from recent updates), simplifying contact discovery but reducing anonymity. | Has no persistent user IDs. Connections are made via one-time invites (QR codes/links) and can even use different profiles per contact, ensuring complete anonymity. |
| Scalability | Currently limited to 1024 participants per chat due to its centralized architecture. | Designed with a decentralized relay model that removes chat-size limitations, making it suitable for very large or unlimited participant groups. |
Pros and Cons
Signal
Pros:
• Robust Security: Uses the well-audited Signal Protocol, ensuring strong end-to-end encryption and forward secrecy.
• User-Friendly: Simplified contact discovery through phone number integration and optional username features.
• Privacy Enhancements: Incorporates sealed sender to protect the sender’s identity during message transit.
Cons:
• Persistent Identifiers: Reliance on phone numbers ties users to a fixed identifier, impacting anonymity.
• Centralized Infrastructure: Uses central servers that, even if minimally, handle metadata (like recipient IDs and timestamps).
• Scalability Limitations: Chat capacity is capped at 1024 participants, which might constrain very large communities.
SimpleX
Pros:
• High Anonymity: No global user IDs; every contact connection is established via one-time invites, ensuring full user obfuscation.
• Enhanced Privacy: Uses anonymous one-way message queues and metadata obfuscation techniques that prevent linking communications.
• Unlimited Chat Capacity: Decentralized relay model allows for unlimited participants in a chat.
• Future-Proofing Security: Integrates additional encryption layers and is progressing toward post‑quantum encryption to guard against emerging threats.
Cons:
• Usability Trade-Off: Requires out‑of‑band invites for contact establishment, which may be less convenient than phone-based discovery.
• Newer Platform: Lower adoption and fewer audits compared to the mature Signal ecosystem.
• Learning Curve: Its decentralized and privacy-centric design might be less familiar to users accustomed to traditional messaging apps.
Encryption Explained
Signal’s Encryption:
Signal employs the Signal Protocol, which integrates the X3DH key exchange with the Double Ratchet algorithm to provide robust end-to-end encryption. This method ensures that every message benefits from forward secrecy and post-compromise security, meaning even if a current key is compromised, past messages remain secure. Additionally, Signal’s introduction of the “sealed sender” feature further hides the sender’s identity from the server by encrypting it within the message envelope. While this significantly improves privacy, the underlying requirement for a phone number ties the user’s identity to a persistent global identifier, a trade-off that facilitates contact discovery but reduces overall anonymity.
SimpleX’s Encryption:
SimpleX builds on the robust foundations of the Double Ratchet algorithm (akin to Signal’s approach) but takes encryption a step further by adding extra layers to protect metadata and routing information. Each conversation is managed via anonymous, one‑way message queues that ensure no persistent identifiers are exposed. This design not only secures the content but also effectively obfuscates the metadata that could otherwise link communications. In addition, SimpleX is actively integrating post‑quantum encryption techniques to guard against future quantum threats, making its encryption strategy both forward‑thinking and resilient against evolving cyber risks.
Why SimpleX is Better for Communities than Signal
When it comes to managing large and dynamic communities, SimpleX offers several distinct advantages over Signal:
BLUF: SimpleX supports unlimited members in group chats, has built-in moderation (like content removal of messages (concerning spillage or illegal content) and welcome messages), and uses anonymous, and much greater privacy protection allowing users to join chats with incognito accounts and option for rooms to prevent enumerating attempts by limited users from obtaining a userid or directly messaging others in a room.
More Context:
• Unlimited Group Capacity:
While Signal caps group chats at 1024 participants, SimpleX’s decentralized relay architecture imposes no such limit. This makes SimpleX ideal for communities that are rapidly growing or require engagement from a very large number of members.
• Built-In Moderation Tools:
SimpleX includes powerful moderation features that are crucial for community management:
• Content Control: Moderators can remove or mute messages—even after a user leaves—helping to maintain a safe and respectful environment.
• Automated Welcome Messages: Each room can be set up to send a private welcome message to new users, which can be used to introduce community guidelines and set the tone.
• Granular Permissions: Admins can precisely configure what type of content (voice, files, links, etc.) is allowed, ensuring that the chat remains focused and secure.
• Enhanced Privacy for Community Members:
SimpleX’s model of using one-time invites and anonymous message queues means there are no persistent user IDs. This not only boosts individual privacy but also minimizes the risk of tracking or harassment within community chats—a major plus for communities that require confidentiality.
• Decentralized Infrastructure:
By avoiding reliance on a central server, SimpleX reduces the risks associated with data aggregation and censorship. This decentralization helps ensure that community communications remain uninterrupted and private, even as the network scales.
These features make SimpleX especially suited for communities that demand high scalability, robust moderation, and enhanced privacy—a combination that Signal’s more centralized and capacity-limited design cannot fully offer.
For further details, visit:
• Signal Documentation: Signal Protocol Overview
• SimpleX Documentation: SimpleX Guide
