Among other problems, Matrix is not a replacement for a messaging app. It’s more of a community message board with 1:1 private messages with the possibility of encryption. It is way more than most want or need.
I’ve also run a Matrix server in the past, and it’s not simple. The vast majority of people do not have the technical acumen, hardware infrastructure, or time necessary to even begin this endeavor.
Joining a public server where they don’t have control of the data requires a lot of trust in that instance and their owners. To expect them to vet those owners first, verify the servers are in a trusted country, … 10 more steps, before they begin is asinine.
Matrix is not an alternative to any messaging apps mainly intended for 1:1 communication.
“Do not comply in advance.” There is simply no need for this. Resist because it’s our duty to do so in order to keep our freedoms. Start with, “why are they doing this?” Then go follow the money. Zuckerberg and Meta, that’s why. They have been under the gun for years to protect people, especially minors, from the harms of their attention based economy of apps. They hired lobbyists in multiple states to push this legislation. Why? Because if the OS does it, they don’t have to, and can blame all the problems on the OS. What’s the Meta business model? Gather data and sell it. The more accurate and targeted the data, the higher the price. What do these laws do? Add more data. Why doesn’t Apple, Google, and Microsoft resist? They already have the infrastructure and are data gathers themselves. Why does the government allow this (US and all 5 eyes)? They LOVE surveillance.
https://tboteproject.com/