Write a FAQ
Description
Adding a FAQ on the website will prevent users from misunderstanding what Silence is and what it isn't. Here are a first bunch of Q&A. Feel free to correct me (I'm not a English native speaker) and add other questions.
- Is Silence free? Silence is a free and open-source software: you won't pay anything to download and install it. Because Silence is a SMS/MMS application, your carrier may charge you for sent SMS/MMS messages if your plan doesn't include unlimited messages.
- Does the recipient have to install Silence in order to chat using encrypted SMS/MMS messages? Yes, starting a secure session means that both parties use Silence. You can still chat using Silence with people that doesn't use the app, but messages will be sent in plaintext, like any other SMS/MMS app.
- Do you plan to port Silence on iOS? Apple doesn't allow third apps like Silence to manage SMS/MMS messages. This means that you cannot use other apps to chat on iOS than the stock SMS/MMS one. Messaging apps on iOS rely on Internet data rather than on GSM.
- Can I chat with a Signal user using Silence? No, you can't. Silence uses the Signal encryption protocol but not the same way to transport messages. Silence relies on SMS/MMS messages while Signal relies on Internet messages.
- Can I protect myself from surveillance with Silence? With encrypted messages, Silence will protect the content of the communications. That means that only you and your recipient will be able to read the conversation. Your carrier, an attacker or a state surveillance program won't be able to read encrypted messages. But Silence will not hide your social graph: this means that, even with encrypted messages, attackers will know to who you speak, when, and at which frequency. Additionally, your phone may still be tracked (with Silence or any other app) through the GSM network.
- Can I contribute to Silence? Yes, you can, even if you are not a developer! First, you can spread the word about encrypting SMS/MMS messages by explaining what Silence is to your friends, colleagues, family, etc. You can also translate Silence, submit bugs or add new features. You can also donate to the project.