Password protection?

[RumPyrat]

I hope this is the right place for this. If not, please let me know.

Is there a way password protection can be coded into the desktop app? I don't like the fact that if I walk away to use the bathroom, someone in my household can just walk up to my computer and read my text messages with friends. As it stands, when I delete from my phone app, the texts remain on the desktop app, and vice versa.

It would be really great to just close the app, but not fully log out of my laptop, when I want to get up for five minutes, and then just re-open and log back in with a password when I return to my computer. As it stands now, I have to completely log out of my user account at home, and that's just a bit weird and will raise some eyebrows.

Is there a way to make this an option?

Thanks!

[Dyras]

This has been asked several times before, the answer is as follows:
No plans of adding it currently, since they are busy with other things. But if they get time, they might add it. They are also willing to accept pull requests adding this feature.

[scottnonnenberg]

Duplicate #1895

You should try the 'lock account' or 'lock screen' option instead of fully logging out. Otherwise, one of your family members or coworkers might send a message like "Dude, I totally forgot to lock my computer" to everyone else. And it would be embarrassing. :0)

[laktech]

The android version of the app has the ability to lock signal access. Can you help me understand the rational for adding the feature to the android version but arguing that it's not needed on other platforms?

Very insecure to not be able to password protect the application.

Also, reading through #1895, you're getting caught up about,

"Also, one thing to think about regarding a solution like this: password/key management. Where would/should passwords be stored by users, "

Why is this your concern?

[Doomd]

I'd like to add, that I absolutely agree that this is an ESSENTIAL feature for a SECURE, encrypted messaging system! What's the point of E2E encryption if all the data stays open and available to anyone should they happen upon a logged in desktop with Signal running?

Telegram messenger, on the other hand, has a very robust auto-lock screen feature for their desktop apps, in which you can configure it to require a local password/pin after a set amount of time or by clicking a lock icon. Please copy this implementation. Thank you.