Element Private Messenger

What is Element

There are many messaging apps available for computers and smart phones. In last month's QUA Julian wrote an article about one called Signal that has some good benefits such a cross platform support and good security.

I have been looking for a messaging app to use with friends and communities such as the HADARC membership. I had the following criteria: - Non proprietary - The protocols used for both messaging and security should be openly documented and not have any licensing fees - The software for both the server and clients used should be open source and free of charge. - There should be broad platform support including iOS, Android, macOS, Linux and Windows. - There should be good (optional) security to protect the privacy of users - There should be no dependence on having a smart phone app, you should be able to join and use the service solely from a desktop or laptop. - It should be fairly mature and have good functionality for group messages

The only messaging ecosystem I am aware of that meets these criteria is Matrix / Element.

Matrix is the server side software and underlying protocols. Element is the suite of clients apps for the various operating systems including a browser based version. There are other clients compatible with Matrix. For convenience I will refer to just Element for the rest of this article.

There are a number of HADARC members already using Element in various group and one to one chat scenarios. In Element each of these chats is referred to as a "Room". A room has been set up for the general HADARC Membership called "HADARC Members" and as of July 1st has 11 people.This room is unencrypted so that new room members can see the entire chat history when they join (This is not possible in and encrypted room).

I would encourage all members to get a Matrix ID and try Element out.

Getting on to Element

Signing up is easy. Go to https://app.element.io and select Create Account. Decide on a user name, your callsign might be a good choice, create a password and give an email address. You will be sent an email to confirm it is legit. Click on the link in the email and you will be verified and logged in.

I would strongly recommend backing up your keys at this point. Go to the small gear icon at the bottom left, click on it and select All Settings. Then select Security and Privacy.. Under Secure Backup select Setup the Generate a Secure Key. Be sure to save the secure somewhere safe such as a password manager. You will want to use this when logging in with you phone etc.

If you are happy using the browser you are ready to go. If you would like to use an app on your computer or smart phone go to https://element.io/download or https://matrix.org/ecosystem/clients/ and select your preferred app. Once it's installed log in with your Matrix ID and password. You should stay logged into the browser session initially so you can approve the app login from there.

Now you're set up. If you want to join the HADARC Members room message @rjd:matrix.org or email committee@hadarc.org.au with your user name and ask to be invited.

Final Tips

• Change your display name (All Settings -> General -> Profile -> Display Name)
• Use Threads when replying to or expanding on a post in a room
• There is a newer version of Element for iOS / iPadOS called Element X you might like to try.

See you on Element

Rob
VK2DIO

Logged into the Element Web App

Accessing the settings

Secure Backup

Generate a Security Key

Save your Security Key

Set your Display Name