Changing where I chat
Contents
TL;DR
I'd like to stop using centralized chat platforms (Discord/Instagram/Messenger/etc.) and move to my own self-hosted, fully encrypted (E2EE) Matrix server.
Mainly because of privacy. No ID checks, no third-party scanning. Just messages that only you and me can read.
Ideally by the end of 2026 all of my private communications will have moved to chat.dominikmraz.sk. But that doesn't mean you won't be able to text me at all elsewhere after 2026.
If you want to join me there, here's how.
What's changing
I am moving away from big centralized online chatting services such as Discord, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, etc. for private and personal conversations. Ideally by the end of 2026 all of my communications will be moved to my own, self-hosted, fully encrypted (E2EE) Matrix server.
Why am I doing all this ?
Because I want my private conversations to be actually private. With the platforms I'm currently using, I'm no longer confident that's true. And with the way things are going, it's only getting worse.
My two biggest concerns are basically useless ID verifications and EU Chat Control. And also just flat out complete message scanning that's already happening in most places right now.
If worst comes to worst, what that could mean is that once the worst version of EU's Chat Control 2 takes place, every single message/media that is sent through ANY chatting app online, even those that are "encrypted", will be picked up, scanned, read and evaluated by AI.
So, to avoid all of these things, I've decided to move everything to my own server. Which means everything stays private, on a physical server running at my place. On top of that, everything is fully E2E encrypted by default.
Oh and also partly because I just can. Since I have my own server running, so might as well put it to more use.
How to reach me there
Matrix is a chatting server that I am running. For you to be able to use it, you need a client. A client is the actual app (interface) you use to text/call with me and others, just like Discord or WhatsApp for example.
You choose a client app based on your preferences such as design and features. Some allow for things others don't (e.g. screen sharing). I personally recommend these clients:
- Sable (Discord-like, good features, all devices, my preference)
- Element X (default, stable pick)
- FluffyChat (simple UI/UX, closest to WhatsApp)
You can check them all out and see which one looks the best to you.
You don't actually NEED to download anything at all, you can use the online web version right now available at chat.dominikmraz.sk. It's just a preference. However having a client downloaded on your phone/computer is better since it unlocks all potential features and you mainly get notifications the way you're supposed to get them.
The registration is invite only. That means you will need a key to register and start chatting. You need to contact me first through whatever we are texting currently, and ask for the key. Once you have it, you just go through with the registration, complete it and you're in.
Make sure that whatever client you're using, you set a "homeserver" to chat.dominikmraz.sk, since with any client you can connect to anyone's server.
Once you're registered and in, you should be presented with some more information about everything and how to start texting me there.
Since everything is fully encrypted (E2E), you may be presented with a recovery key. That recovery key is basically your decryption tool that the client uses to decrypt all messages. If you lose it and want to use a new device/reinstall/anything happens, you won't be able to recover the chat history, since it's all gibberish now. You can still start new chats and everything.
If you need any help with anything just let me know.
FAQ
- What if I don't want to download anything just to text you ?
- You don't need to download anything ! Just use the online web version available at chat.dominikmraz.sk. It's running Sable client currently.
- Are you deleting the other apps now ?
- No I will still keep using them occasionally, just not as actively and not for any serious talk.
- What if your server goes down ?
- I'm trying my best for that to not happen. But when it does, you just won't be able to send/receive messages.
- Can I message anyone else through your or just you ?
- You can ! Think of it just like Discord. Anyone else on my, AND other Matrix servers can chat together, make a group and call. It doesn't have to be just you and me.
- But I just don't care and can't be bothered to do all of that just to text you
- Then neither can I.
