From [matrix] to XMPP

2026-04-07

What does [matrix] spend $500,000 a MONTH on? Let’s find out.

Why NOT to use [matrix]:

2014 [Source]

On the Internet we find many pieces of information connecting Amdocs with Israel’s Intelligence [02][03][04]. We do not know if it is because they wanted to wash their image, but allegedly Amdocs does not own the project anymore. A new organization, New Vector, was created for Matrix. Nevertheless the same people work there [05] and the project keeps being generously funded [06].

2018-09-07 [Source]

The resources needed for it cannot be provided without proper funding but that is not the only reason: Constant maintenance, resolving federation issues or general everyday problems are simply consuming too much of our time, energy and stress.

2019-06-13 [Source]

matrix.org and vector.im receive a lot of private, personal and identifiable data on a regular basis, or metadata that can be used to precisely identify and/or track users/server, their social graph, usage pattern and potential location. This is possible both by the default configuration values in synapse/Riot that do not promote privacy, and by specific choices made by their developers to not disclose, inform users or resolve in a timely manner several known behaviours of the software.

Data sent on a potential regular basis based on a common web/desktop+smartphone usage even with a self-hosted client and Homeserver: …

2019-07-24 [Source]

we believe that New Vector LTD and The Matrix.org Foundation CIC representing matrix.org and vector.im:

Do not comply with EU GDPR (Portal).

Do not follow guidelines, best practices and explicit requirements outlined in ICO Guide to GDPR for those who have day-to-day responsibilities.

Fail to uphold the fundamental principles of GDPR: Lawfulness, fairness and transparency.

Are not able to correctly and in a timely manner process GDPR data requests.

Are discriminating against non-technical users with GDPR matters.

Are attempting to withhold data and answers from individuals that are entitled to them, by deleting said data from their system before completing their GDPR requests, being a Data Protection Act 2018 Offense.

Are using deceptive communications, misleading policies and difficult to understand terms of services to limit the scope of GDPR Data requests only to Homeserver services, while providing several independent others.

2025-04-16 [Source]

Matrix was never good. Have you met a person who actually enjoyed using Matrix? Because, I haven’t.
…
One of the most worrying moments for me was when Element (the company) essentially took over the Synapse and Dendrite projects from the Matrix Foundation, relicensing them as AGPL (with a dual commercial license), and mandating a CLA for future contributions. This is especially worrying, considering Synapse’s de facto role as the reference implementation for Matrix.

2025-03-29 [Source]

It really just reads like “well, matrix is better for fascist governments planning airstrikes on innocent people”.
…
at this point let’s just boycott @element and maybe matrix too

2025-07-18 [Source]

Tl;dr: After five years of using Matrix.org/Element as my primary communication platform, and rooting for it, and promoting it, and enduring its many quirks, I’ve decided to move on (or rather back). Despite promising ideals and growing institutional adoption, the network remains slow, unreliable, and confusing for everyday users. Development feels directionless, client and server projects are fragmented, and the user experience still lags far behind my expectations. A recent incident that essentially broke my own community channel on the Matrix.org homeserver was the final straw: I’m heading back to XMPP.