Should we add Slidge XMPP-WhatsApp bridge to Durare?
Buster Keaton Thu 14 May 2026 2:51PMPublicSeen by 20(Attaching a thread to an existing poll)
Few users have asked us if we can add Slidge XMPP-WhatsApp bridge to Durare. So, I would like know the opinion of our community regarding this.
Should we add Slidge XMPP-WhatsApp bridge to Durare?
poll by Buster Keaton Closed Fri 29 May 2026 6:00PM
What is an incentive to join XMPP? Is it -
1. You get to chat with me?
2. Benefits of open source privacy and decentralized service.
It is safe to assume that people are on WhatsApp by default, and if not, then majority of them are. And I think it is not fair to think that completely migrating to XMPP and abandoning WhatsApp is easy or a one step thing. I know there are some community members who don't use WhatsApp. Good that it worked out for them. I think it is a privilege that one can choose to not be on WhatsApp. One needs to be in a certain power/ position in personal/ social/ academic/ professional life to be able to make that decision.
And to transition to XMPP, one will need a certain period of time. So, as long as we are using Free Software, have volunteers to maintain and don't affect the service in terms of privacy, and functionality for all users, I think it shouldn't be a problem.
Again, it is an opt-in thing. If you don't want to bridge to WhatsApp, things remain same for you. This is aimed primarily at people who are already using WhatsApp.
And, improving XMPP clients and onboarding more people can and should happen irrespective of whether there is a bridge or not.
I will try to setup the Slidge XMPP-WhatsApp bridge soon, and hope it benefits the users who requested the same.
What is this poll about?
An user has asked us if we can add Slidge XMPP-WhatsApp bridge to Durare. So, I would like know the opinion of our community regarding this.
Why is this important?
This is important because it will help people not only to migrate to XMPP but also stay on the platform as they can still contact with their WhatsApp users. Also, it will let WhatsApp users know about XMPP. One of the major reasons why people can't move from WhatsApp is because their contacts won't move to the other app. This will help those people to try and move to XMPP. And hopefully, it will attract their WhatsApp contacts too.
It will also become USP of our service.
Similarly, if requested, we can add other bridges provided by Slidge for community.
What are you asking people to do?
Do you think we should add Slidge XMPP-WhatsApp bridge to Durare?
Choose the option(s) you favor.
Results
| Results | Option | % of points | Voters | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | 75 | 6 |     | |||
| No | 25 | 2 |  | |||
| Other | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Undecided | 52 |               |
8 of 60 votes cast (13% participation)
Buster KeatonThu 7 May 2026 8:29AM
I am a maintainer, and I am willing to add and maintain this new feature.
Pirate PraveenThu 7 May 2026 8:29AM
I think this will help people leave WhatsApp, though I'm not sure if WhatsApp will continue to allow this, they are likely to block us sooner or later, but we can try.
punThu 7 May 2026 8:29AM
I will help setup the feature, but I don't think I will be using the feature. More choices will help users get on to xmpp fast 🙂
perryThu 7 May 2026 8:29AM
I'm okay with it if it doesn't involve installing non-free software on the server.
Badri SunderarajanThu 7 May 2026 8:29AM
Since using the bridge requires linking your WhatsApp account, it is likely not to tempt people who are already off WhatsApp to get back on. Therefore, I think it will be a good option for a new XMPP user to slowly wean themselves off WhatsApp, similar to an "auto-forward" set up when shifting from an old email address to a new one. If people are able to reach everyone on their XMPP app without having to switch to the WhatsApp one, it would lead to less instances of "forgetting" to check XMPP
fugataThu 7 May 2026 8:29AM
Bridges remove incentives to join XMPP. If I'm only available on XMPP, I have an incentive to onboard people, and people have an incentive to join. If I'm available on both XMPP and WhatsApp (whether natively or through a bridge), people have no incentive to join XMPP - they're already on WhatsApp and so am I.
If you want more people to use XMPP, you're better off improving XMPP clients...and onboarding more people.
Aaruni KaushikThu 14 May 2026 11:01AM
Adding a bridge weakens the case for migrating to XMPP for new users, and is nearly pointless for current users, who would need to register with whatsapp and share data into that service anyway.
Pirate Praveen ·Thu 14 May 2026 5:39PM
@fugata if XMPP is not their primary app, (which needs much higher amounts of commitment and social capital or willingness to lose contacts), eventually they stop checking it. Happened to so many people whom I on-boarded, most stop replying on xmpp after some time.