According to Alex Linton and Chris McCabe, executives from the decentralized messaging platform Session, artificial intelligence, data privacy ignorance, and regulatory challenges pose significant risks to the future of private messaging.
Linton, president of the Session Technology Foundation, noted to Cointelegraph that while the EU’s Chat Control legislation has drawn scrutiny from privacy advocates for its mandate to scan private messages, AI also represents a critical front that must be resisted.
He emphasized that AI’s ability to analyze and store data on devices leads to “serious privacy and security concerns,” potentially making private communication “almost impossible on standard mobile devices or computers.”
Linton warned that if such AI is integrated at the operating system level, it might completely bypass the encryption of messaging apps, with data possibly fed into an unidentified AI system, raising further concerns about its handling.
“It’s crucial to push back against deep AI integration in all our devices, so we remain aware of what is occurring on our devices.”
He expressed concerns that lawmakers, in addressing privacy issues, often seek advice from the tech giants that primarily drive the technology’s adoption.
Understanding Online Data Usage
McCabe, co-founder of Session, highlighted that many individuals are oblivious to how their online data is collected, stored, and utilized, as well as the risks of data aggregation by major tech companies.
Last month, OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, reported a cyber breach involving a third-party analytics provider, exposing user data that could be exploited for phishing or social engineering attacks.
Additionally, a now-defunct chatbot feature was discovered to have shared chat histories publicly online.
“Many people remain unaware of the implications regarding their data: what others can do with it and the potential financial benefits it can yield,” McCabe stated.
He also noted that data manipulation occurs through means such as advertising, influencing behaviors without users realizing it.
Linton emphasized the importance of raising awareness and educating individuals about privacy issues and available tools as a vital aspect of their mission.
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“Those developing encrypted messaging tools face considerable pressure. Various regulations are either proposed or enacted in many areas,” Linton noted. “Negative media coverage often accompanies these developments.”
“The individuals creating this technology feel that weight, so it’s crucial for the public to recognize that these tools aim to assist and protect their information, enhancing the online experience.”
From Part-time Tech Enthusiasts to Full-time Privacy Advocates
McCabe mentioned that the inception of Session stemmed from a commitment to using decentralized technologies innovatively to tackle privacy challenges.
Originally an electrician and “part-time tech enthusiast,” he decided to fully immerse himself in Web3 after losing his job and began developing Session in 2018.
Linton, also a “part-time tech geek,” worked as a journalist for ABC Australia, where he recognized the critical importance of private communication.
Session operates as an open-source platform utilizing end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can access the messages.
McCabe highlighted that Session aims to eliminate typical identifiers and metadata that conventional messaging platforms depend on, such as phone numbers, and operates without central servers.
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“By removing the middleman, especially for those wary of censorship, control, or self-sovereignty, we have established a vital solution,” he stated.
Recently, Session was one of two cryptocurrency messaging applications that received backing from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, who extended a combined $760,000 in Ether and recommended them.
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