Peby 🥧@pebtrocious
So... I tried Matrix/Element, because these changes are introduced due to law changes UK made, and every discord alternative will sooner or later have to implement this aswell otherwise they will be illegal in UK, therefore losing users. Matrix/Element doesn't have that problem.
It has a few disadvantages (mostly that Element is not as intuitive as discord), but it supports custom emojis, roles, text, voice, video as well as screen sharing on calls, so I think it's the most important for casual discord users.
More detailed nerd info will be in replies, but for casual users what you need to know is:
- it's safe to use (encrypted)
- can't be forced to implement ID features
- you can have FULL CONTROL, yes FULL, no one forcing updates, compliance, guidelines, nothing, but you have to get a little nerdy to have full control
- can have your own Space (simmiliar to discord servers)
- you have DMs
FAQ:
What it is?
Matrix is server, Element is app (but there are other apps, like Cinny), both are free to use and open source, that means anyone can look at code and check for themselves, that makes it safer to use.
Is it easy to use?
Yes, if you want to quickly switch from discord it's as easy as downloading app of your choosing and making an account, apps walk you through it so no need to worry
Is it like discord?
Kind of, there's an app that looks similar to discord, called Cinny, but for now they haven't implemented voice or video calls, so it's just text, but I think it will change in a while, given what discord is doing. I would recommend to start using Matrix via Cinny to setup everything and use Element if you want to make voice/video calls, because Element is not that intuitive and easy to use as Cinny
Will they cave to UK laws?
Short answer is no. Long answer will be in replies for nerds, but it's still no
I will try to make easy step-by-step guide how it works, why it works and how to use it and also how to host your own server, but it will require some time, which I hardly have, but it will be available in the link on my profile or in replies. Before I create a guide this link will redirect you to Element website