- Signal could just ban all UK IP addresses from accessing its messaging servers. Your encrypted messages still pass through servers controlled by Signal, Inc.
- UK government could require ISPs to deny access to Signal's messaging servers.
Of course, one could just use a VPN, set up a VM in a third country and run a Signal Proxy Server, etc.
It was hard enough getting family/friends to download/use Signal, as its UX is sub-par compared to alternatives.
If you start telling them they have to use a VPN, or run a server, etc, that will kill the network effect in UK.
I've also tried to urge the Signal community to develop things like a mesh networking because it can really help prevent such actions. I saw another user suggest an airdrop like functionality as a means to make the mesh networking features "fun" or at least of high value to users. I've given up on that community though and Signal just moves too slow. Moxie argued that they should maintain control because the ecosystem is moving but I'm pretty confident the ecosystem is moving a hell of a lot faster than they are. Realistically it looks like Apple is starting to become a better privacy app, except it isn't cross platform and likely never will be.
- Signal could just ban all UK IP addresses from accessing its messaging servers. Your encrypted messages still pass through servers controlled by Signal, Inc.
- UK government could require ISPs to deny access to Signal's messaging servers.
Of course, one could just use a VPN, set up a VM in a third country and run a Signal Proxy Server, etc.
It was hard enough getting family/friends to download/use Signal, as its UX is sub-par compared to alternatives.
If you start telling them they have to use a VPN, or run a server, etc, that will kill the network effect in UK.