[tomrod]

Yes! Like another comment mentioned I'd love a return of pidgin.

Further, the law should specificy that the protocol allows E2EE, and we have traction.

[igravious]

Double yes! I had thought for the longest time that a Linux-like open landscape would develop for messaging and social. I no longer believe this is going to be the case. I truly believe we are at a Standard Oil / AT&T moment (as documented would happen by Tim Wu in the Master Switch[1][2]) There is no conceivable way other than politically/legally that big tech will of their own volition lower their drawbridges to span their moats.

This needs to happen. Mandate interop and federation please.

[1] https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/194417/the-master-s...

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij76dh_340w

[tomrod]

Matrix would be a nice approach, if not for weird edge cases like spamming IRC (if that still happens).

[pabs3]

Pidgin is still here and supports modern protocols via plugins.

https://pidgin.im/plugins/