Signal-android: Whole coversation timer leads to possible problems with simultaneity

[kai-dj]

Bug description

If person 1 sets the timer for messages to "off", it might be, that a message send simultaneously (or almost simultaneously) by person 2 ends up not disappearing (but person 2 assumes it would at the time).

Steps to reproduce

• set timer to any value not "off"
• coversation partner would assume all messages disappear
• turn timer off right before partner sends a message

Actual result:

• coversation partner doesn't realize timer is turned off fast enough - message is not disappearing

possible solution:

• timer settings individual for each person
• feature for deleting messages on both devices (or set timer for messages already send)

Device info

Signal version:4.16.9

[kai-dj]

…this is of cource also the case for iOS- or desktop-app.
Is there maybe a better place to file this issue. If so, can the thread be moved there?

[2-4601]

The disappearing messages feature is not intended to handle cases such as the one you described:

https://signal.org/blog/disappearing-messages/

Disappearing messages are a way for you and your friends to keep your message history tidy. They are a collaborative feature for conversations where all participants want to automate minimalist data hygiene, not for situations where your contact is your adversary — after all, if someone who receives a disappearing message really wants a record of it, they can always use another camera to take a photo of the screen before the message disappears.

If you want to discuss more https://community.signalusers.org/ is a good place to continue

[kai-dj]

…but the solution would be fairly simple.
It would be a technical solution for a problem I otherwise would have to ask my conversation partner, to delete the message. I don't see why this flaw should stay then…

[kai-dj]

Also this might be an actual security issue (given my conversation partner is not maliciously recording my messages). Maybe the disappearing messages feature not intending to handle cases such as the one I described is a bad idea?

[kai-dj]

…opened thread at https://community.signalusers.org/

[kai-dj]

…sorry missclicked the thumb-down emoji ^^