Signal is working on a standalone version for Signal Desktop that does not require a mobile phone

PurpleDime:

T o register on Signal Desktop, a phone number will still be required. However, this can be either a mobile number or a landline, including basic mobile phones or dumb phones.

So no big changes, just “cosmetic” patch.

Phone number are evil. You don’t own them (just renting from isp). Cellular connection are extremely easy to track (IMEI, IMSI, possible backdoors in modem proprietary firmware). Any number can be lost, people can move. It is extremely inconvenient to update them everywhere. SS7 contains CRITICAL vulnerabilities (see video from Veritasium) allowing to hijack SMS or even call. They also get “hacked” because of SMS (official post) Is this what they call security?

Phone numbers costs money. Why I need to pay for phone number just to sign up?

It is really unfortunate that Signal doesn’t allow to sign up by login/pass and just use usernames. Or at least email sign-up…