I have nothing against Signal. I just don’t have access to a phone number right now. I fully intend to use the Signal when I get a number. I know there is no silver bullet, no absolutes in the privacy world but I’m looking for any messengers that are generally considered to be private and secure on Android that I can try to convince my friends and family to use. I have a mid - low threat model, it’s just the thought of giving the Zuck anymore of my family’s data makes my skin crawl.
I don’t have enough money for a phone number to give to any government agency much less to Signal. My phone ran out of service months ago and no one in my family is even able to re-up theirs much less spot me the scratch to help me with mine. In a perfect world where I could afford a cell phone plan I’d probably go for both honesty. They both have access to perks that I could use. But yeah I’d choose FOSS any and every day.
It was a general question, I was just wondering why you want to go on Signal so much rather than Telegram. I know Telegram requires scanning a captcha to join, is it the same on Signal? If not, then I recommend you try using a free SMS service to register on Signal.
I’ve done this using Google voice. But they’re probably other options out there.