Question about storage

[uberneko]

Hello -
Currently trying to set up the databag server on a local server (currently with CasaOS, but may be modified later).
I was wondering, since I did not read that in the design overview : how does storage work ?
Are data (msgs, images, files) temporarily stored in server and then removed once read and then stored only on client devices ?
Are data always stored on the server ? It would make sense since I understand that in the server we can set up the storage for accounts at 3Gb, 4Gb... whatever..
But then where is it stored ? In the file databag.db ? Is it a file that will grow and grow as long as people chat and exchange ?
I am wondering... as I need then to select a correct disk for the server...
Thank you !

[balzack]

hello, sorry I'm just getting to your message now. Currently the data is stored on the server until either the associated message, topic, or account is deleted. The clients will cache the file temporarily for viewing only.

On the server, the text data from messages are stored in the DB and the associated assets (images, videos, etc.) are stored on the file system. If you are using e2e encryption then the data only exists in encrypted form on the server. As people chat the DB size will continue to grow until the messages are deleted.

There are feature requests to have the messages and associated data delete automatically after a X number of days. I am still working out how this feature should work.

I am happy to explain further if it's not clear. Thanks for your interest in this project.

[uberneko]

Thanks ! That's pretty clear. So it means that the databag.db file shall be, let say, on the second disk (Appdata/DATA) - the first one being the server OS (debian in my case). And the size of that 2nd disk should be as a minimum " 'size allowed by account x number of accounts foreseen' + margin".
Pretty clear now.

Deletion of messags could be a nice option indeed. But people when discovering a new app always refer to previous ones, and I think the first complaint I have had using your temporary server is that you can't swap a message left or right in order to quote/answer to it ?

That project is really interesting and I could have many more questions later...
But yes, a first one, related to current news... did you imagine the future if the EU 'Chat Control' law was in force ?? Would databag become banned.. ?

[balzack]

To "quote/answer" a message, do you mean add an emoji like reaction, or to start a new thread of discussion? I have plans for the emoji reactions, but have not yet planned for new threads of discussion within a conversation topic.

If the EU laws were in force, would that prevent people from hosting their own chat group? Databag was designed for privacy and self-sovereignty, so I would think it is compliant, but my understanding of the EU laws is limited. Hosting databag is not so different from hosting your own email server (in terms of concept, not effort)

[uberneko]

Hello -
Well, for the EU - nothing defined now... They claim they want to control all messages (email included) before encryption on smartphones they say (nothing clear about computers so far). We'll see...

Sorry I was not clear, when I mean quote and answer, it is for instance on Whatsapp or Signal, you swipe the screen left or right, and then the message is quoted and you can answer below -

[balzack]

Ah, I see the feature you are referring to in whatsapp. I'll add it to the backlog. It won't make it in the next mobile release as I am wrapping that up now, but I see its value and should be relatively straight forward to add.

I hope the EU doesn't follow through with their claim. Our need for privacy will only increase as AI's capabilities increase.

Thanks for your feedback!