The blog post urges Apple to implement disappearing messages in iMessage, arguing it's a crucial privacy feature already offered by competitors like Signal and WhatsApp. The author emphasizes that ephemerality is essential for protecting user privacy against device seizure, data breaches, and unwanted surveillance, citing real-world scenarios where sensitive information shared via iMessage has been exposed. They highlight the inherent risk of permanent message storage and propose that Apple offer user-configurable expiration times, similar to existing self-destructing media features. This would empower users to control the lifespan of their messages and minimize the potential for misuse or unintended exposure.
The blog post "Dear Apple: Add 'Disappearing Messages' to iMessage Right Now," published on Cryptography Engineering, urgently implores Apple to incorporate an ephemeral messaging feature, akin to those found in platforms like Signal and WhatsApp, into its iMessage service. The author argues that the current state of iMessage, where messages persist indefinitely by default, poses a significant privacy risk. The post emphasizes the increasing importance of digital security and privacy in the face of potential data breaches, legal requests for information, and unauthorized access to devices. The author details the various scenarios in which retained messages could be detrimental, including compromised devices, relationship breakdowns, and changes in personal circumstances. They highlight the potential for sensitive information, shared in confidence, to be exposed and misused in these situations.
The core proposition is not merely to add a disappearing message option, but to make it the default setting for iMessage. This, the author contends, would significantly enhance user privacy by ensuring that messages are ephemeral unless explicitly preserved. The post dismisses arguments against default ephemerality, such as the potential loss of cherished memories or important information, suggesting that users who wish to retain messages can readily save them through existing mechanisms like screenshots or archiving. The author points to the inconvenience and potential security risks of needing to remember to activate disappearing messages for each conversation, arguing that a default ephemeral setting would offer a much more robust and user-friendly privacy solution. The urgency of the plea is underscored by the increasing prevalence of surveillance and data collection, making the need for strong privacy protections more critical than ever. The post concludes with a direct appeal to Apple, urging the company to prioritize user privacy by making disappearing messages the standard for iMessage communication.
Summary of Comments ( 61 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43274416
Hacker News users generally supported the idea of ephemeral messages in iMessage, citing privacy benefits and the existing precedent set by other messaging platforms. Some commenters raised concerns about the potential for misuse, particularly regarding evidence preservation in legal cases or investigations. Others discussed technical implementation details, questioning the reliability and security of such a feature, and suggesting potential solutions like server-side deletion or client-side cryptography. A few pointed out Apple's historical resistance to features perceived as hindering law enforcement access to data, speculating that this might be a factor in the absence of ephemeral messaging in iMessage. Finally, some questioned the effectiveness of disappearing messages given the possibility of screenshots and screen recordings.
The Hacker News post "Dear Apple: Add "Disappearing Messages" to iMessage" (linking to a blog post advocating for disappearing messages in iMessage) generated several comments discussing the technical and social implications of such a feature.
Several commenters focused on the potential for misuse and the limitations of disappearing messages as a privacy solution. One commenter pointed out that screenshots could easily defeat the purpose of disappearing messages, while another highlighted the risk of coercion and blackmail, where users might be forced to show disappearing messages before they vanish. The complexity of implementing true disappearing messages across all devices was also raised, with commenters noting the challenges of handling message synchronization and the potential for data recovery from backups.
A recurring theme was the existing availability of similar functionality in other messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp, with some commenters questioning the need for Apple to duplicate the feature. There was also a discussion around Apple's historical stance on privacy and security, with speculation about why the company hasn't already implemented disappearing messages. Some suggested it might be due to technical challenges, while others posited that Apple might be hesitant to introduce a feature that could be perceived as facilitating illicit activities.
Some commenters supported the idea of disappearing messages, emphasizing the benefits for privacy and security in certain situations. They argued that even with the limitations, it could be a useful tool for protecting sensitive information. One user suggested that a more effective approach might be to encrypt messages by default, rather than relying on disappearing messages.
Overall, the comments section reveals a mixed reception to the idea of disappearing messages in iMessage. While some acknowledge its potential benefits, others express concerns about its limitations and potential for misuse. The discussion highlights the complex trade-offs involved in designing privacy-enhancing features and the need to consider both technical feasibility and social implications.