I haven’t hosted my own matrix server yet. is it safe to join an instance? I don’t really know how private that would be. the question is when I signup/login would I be giving out my IP? is the metadata private? sorry for asking this, I’m just a bit paranoid
comes down to your own personal needs and how you maintain opsec. matrix is a great option for privacy if you host your own server. joining an instance might be less reliable for stringent security needs and concerns about specific attack vectors. the encrypted chat they have is good regardless, and its a better option than signal or many other chat/messaging protocols. matrix servers do a lot, its a decentralized protocol.
be real about your security needs and outline them. what are attack vectors you are concerned about? what are you trying to keep safe? what threat actors are you concerned about? answering these types of questions will help you outline your needs and choose/use technology which meets those needs
I’m more concerned about the future of mass surveillance so I’m more worried about companies and goverments more than small hacker groups. I don’t want anyone to leak my identity so I make sure no one can trace my location and guess my real identity. basic stuff like doing all online stuff through tor, buying services with monero. and having only a small number of people who knows me. though I’m not a criminal, I’m just someone who wants a private life.
the only question I have is whether or not matrix is safe on It’s own, I’ll probably buy a vps and host my own if that wasn’t the case.