Can You Unsend a Message on Android? Unveiling the Truth

Can you unsend a message on Android? It’s a question that has likely crossed the minds of many a texter, especially after a particularly hasty send or a moment of regrettable eloquence. This guide embarks on a journey to unravel the mysteries surrounding message recall on your Android device. We’ll explore the ins and outs of unsending, from the basic premise to the nuanced realities of various messaging applications.

Think of it as a digital detective story, where we follow the breadcrumbs of sent messages, hoping to rewrite history, or at least, slightly alter the narrative.

From accidental sends to second thoughts, the desire to retract a digital missive is a common human experience in the age of instant communication. This exploration will delve into the technical capabilities of different apps, the ethical considerations of message recall, and even the potential legal ramifications of attempting to erase a digital footprint. Prepare to discover the methods, the limitations, and the alternatives that shape the art of message unsending on your Android phone.

Table of Contents

Overview of Message Unsending on Android

The digital landscape has brought with it the ephemeral art of the message. We’ve all been there: a hastily typed text, a regrettable emoji, or perhaps a message sent to the wrong recipient. This is where the concept of “unsending” or “deleting” a message comes into play, a feature increasingly common in Android messaging applications, designed to offer a degree of control over the messages we dispatch.

It’s a digital rewind button, if you will, but with a few catches.

Defining Message Unsending

Message unsending, in the Android context, refers to the ability to retract a sent message after it has been delivered. This function allows the sender to attempt to remove the message from the recipient’s view. This feature varies across different messaging apps; some offer immediate deletion, while others provide a time window within which the message can be retracted. The effectiveness of unsending can depend on factors like the recipient’s app version, whether they’ve read the message, and the app’s specific implementation.

Common Motivations for Unsending

Users find themselves reaching for the “unsend” button for a variety of reasons, stemming from momentary lapses in judgment to more significant concerns.

Typographical Errors: A simple typo can change the meaning of a sentence, leading to confusion or misinterpretation.
Sending to the Wrong Recipient: Accidentally sending a message intended for one person to another is a common occurrence.
Regretful Content: In the heat of the moment, messages can be sent that are later regretted, whether due to their tone, content, or context.
Sharing Sensitive Information: Sometimes, a message might inadvertently reveal personal or confidential information that needs to be retracted.
Changing Opinions: A sender might reconsider their stance on a topic and wish to remove a message that reflects a previous viewpoint.

Potential Implications of Unsending

While the promise of unsending is appealing, it’s essential to understand its limitations and potential consequences.

Recipient Notification: Many apps notify the recipient that a message has been unsent. This notification itself can draw attention to the retracted message and create curiosity.
Message Deletion Success: The success of message deletion isn’t always guaranteed. If the recipient has already read the message or uses an older version of the app, the message might not be removed from their view.
Screenshots: Recipients can always take screenshots of messages before they are unsent, making the deletion attempt ineffective.
Variations Across Apps: The implementation of unsending varies widely across different messaging platforms. Some apps may only delete the message from your end, while others attempt to remove it from both sides of the conversation.
Legal Considerations: In certain situations, unsending a message might not erase its existence, particularly in legal proceedings where electronic communications can be subject to discovery.

“Metadata, such as the time a message was sent and received, may still be available.”

Messaging Apps that Support Unsending

The ability to retract a message after it’s been sent is a highly sought-after feature in the fast-paced world of digital communication. Fortunately, several popular messaging apps on Android have adopted this capability, offering users a chance to correct mistakes, remove sensitive information, or simply take back a hasty message. Let’s delve into the specifics of which apps offer this functionality and how they differ in their approach.Understanding the nuances of message unsending across various platforms is crucial for anyone who relies on these tools for personal or professional communication.

The effectiveness of the feature, including its limitations, can significantly impact how users perceive their control over their digital footprint.

Messaging Apps with Unsending Features

The availability of message unsending isn’t uniform across all Android messaging applications. Some apps offer robust unsending options, while others may have more limited functionality. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular apps and their respective unsending capabilities:

Comparative Analysis of Unsending Capabilities

Different apps implement unsending features with varying methods, time limits, and recipient actions. This table provides a clear comparison:

App Name	Unsend Method	Time Limit	Recipient Action
WhatsApp	“Delete for Everyone”	Approximately 2 days	Message is replaced with “This message was deleted” in the recipient’s chat. Recipients can still see if a message was deleted.
Telegram	Delete for both sender and recipient	No time limit	Message is removed from both sender and recipient’s chats. No notification of deletion is provided unless the recipient has enabled “Show deleted messages” setting.
Signal	“Delete for Everyone”	No time limit	Message is removed from both sender and recipient’s chats. No notification of deletion is provided.
Instagram Direct Messages	“Unsend”	No time limit	Message disappears from both sender and recipient’s chats. A “You unsent a message” notification appears in the chat for the recipient.

Limitations and Exceptions

While unsending features provide a degree of control, they’re not foolproof. Several limitations and exceptions apply:

WhatsApp: While WhatsApp offers “Delete for Everyone,” there’s a time limit, and the recipient is always notified that a message was deleted, which could lead to questions about the message’s content.
Telegram: Telegram’s no-time-limit unsending is a significant advantage. However, the recipient might still be able to see a deleted message if they have a notification archive or third-party apps with message logging enabled.
Signal: Signal, known for its privacy, allows unlimited unsending. However, if a recipient has already seen the message, unsending doesn’t erase it from their memory.
Instagram: Instagram’s “Unsend” feature notifies the recipient, and there’s no time limit. But it doesn’t prevent recipients from taking screenshots or forwarding the message before it’s unsent.

It’s essential to remember that unsending is not a guaranteed way to erase a message completely. The recipient may have already seen the message, saved a copy, or taken a screenshot.

Methods for Unsending Messages

The ability to retract a message after it’s been sent is a coveted feature in the digital age. It’s a digital “oops” button, allowing users to correct typos, remove embarrassing content, or simply take back a hasty decision. The implementation of this feature varies across different messaging platforms on Android, each with its unique steps and limitations. Understanding these methods is crucial for anyone who wants to wield the power of the digital undo.

Step-by-Step Procedures for Unsending Messages in Various Android Messaging Apps, Can you unsend a message on android

Messaging app functionality regarding message retraction is not uniform. Each application has its unique approach, influencing the ease and effectiveness of unsending. Here’s a breakdown of the process for several popular apps:

WhatsApp: WhatsApp’s “Delete for Everyone” feature offers message retraction. It is a commonly used method to retract messages, though there are time limits.
- Open the chat containing the message you want to unsend.
- Long-press the message.
- Tap the “Delete” icon (usually a trash can).
- Select “Delete for Everyone.”
- Note: The recipient will see a message indicating that you deleted the message. There is a time limit, typically around one hour, to unsend the message.
Telegram: Telegram provides a more flexible unsending experience. Telegram is known for its privacy features, including unsending capabilities.
- Open the chat with the message you wish to remove.
- Tap and hold the message.
- Select “Delete.”
- Choose “Delete for Me” or “Delete for [Recipient’s Name]”. The latter will attempt to remove the message from the recipient’s device.
- Note: Telegram allows you to delete messages on both your end and the recipient’s end without a time limit, although the recipient might be notified if they are using a Telegram client that supports it.
Signal: Signal prioritizes privacy, including robust message deletion options. It is an end-to-end encrypted messaging application.
- Open the conversation containing the message you want to delete.
- Long-press the message.
- Tap the three vertical dots (More options).
- Select “Delete.”
- Choose “Delete for Everyone” to remove the message from both your and the recipient’s devices.
- Note: Signal generally doesn’t have a time limit for deleting messages, providing greater flexibility.
Facebook Messenger: Messenger’s unsending feature, though present, comes with limitations. The implementation is similar to other platforms.
- Open the chat where the message resides.
- Long-press the message.
- Tap “Remove”.
- Choose “Unsend” to delete it from both your and the recipient’s view.
- Note: There’s a time limit, typically within a few minutes or hours, for unsending messages. After that, you can only “Remove for You,” which deletes it from your side only.

Visual Guide: Unsending a Message in a Widely Used Messaging App

Here’s a detailed description of the process, visualized as a series of steps:

Scenario: Unsending a Message in WhatsApp

Step 1: The Chat Interface. Imagine your phone screen displaying a WhatsApp chat. The chat window shows a conversation between you and another person. Several messages are exchanged. One message, highlighted in a slightly different color, is the one you wish to unsend. The background displays the typical WhatsApp chat interface with bubbles for each message, time stamps, and the contact’s name at the top.

Step 2: Long-Press and Selection. Your finger presses and holds down on the specific message you want to retract. Upon holding, the message is highlighted, and a menu bar appears at the top of the screen. This bar contains several icons representing different actions you can take with the message.

Step 3: The Delete Icon. Within the menu bar, locate and tap the “Delete” icon. This icon is usually represented by a trash can symbol. Tapping this icon triggers a prompt offering deletion options.

Step 4: Deletion Options. A pop-up menu appears, offering two choices: “Delete for me” and “Delete for everyone”. The pop-up shows a clear description of what will happen with each choice.

Step 5: “Delete for Everyone” Selection. Tap “Delete for everyone.” This confirms that you want to remove the message from both your and the recipient’s chat history. After selecting, the message is replaced with a notification that reads, “You deleted this message.” The recipient sees a similar notification: “This message was deleted.”

Troubleshooting Tips for Unsending Features

When the unsending feature doesn’t behave as expected, it’s often due to specific technical or operational limitations. Addressing these issues can help ensure the feature works correctly.

Time Limits: Most apps have a time limit for unsending. If you exceed this limit, you may only be able to delete the message for yourself. Double-check the app’s specific time constraints.
App Version: Ensure both you and the recipient are using the latest version of the messaging app. Older versions may not support the unsending feature or may have bugs that prevent it from working.
Network Connectivity: A stable internet connection is crucial. If the app can’t communicate with the server, the unsending request may fail.
Recipient’s App Status: If the recipient hasn’t opened the message, the unsending is more likely to be successful. However, if they’ve already read it, the unsending process might still work, but there’s no guarantee.
App Permissions: Ensure the messaging app has the necessary permissions to access your contacts and storage. In some cases, permission issues can interfere with the app’s functionality.
Cache and Data: Clearing the app’s cache and data can sometimes resolve issues. Go to your phone’s settings, find the app, and clear the cache and data. Be aware that this might delete some temporary files.
Recipient’s Device: The success of unsending also depends on the recipient’s device. If they’re using an older device or an outdated app version, the feature might not work as intended for them.
Restart the App and Device: Sometimes, a simple restart of the app or your device can resolve temporary glitches. Close the app, then restart it. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your phone or tablet.

Alternatives to Unsending

Sometimes, hitting that “unsend” button feels like the only option. However, before you erase your digital footprint, consider other strategies that might be more suitable for the situation. These alternatives can range from simple edits to more nuanced responses, each with its own set of pros and cons. Choosing the right approach can often save you from unnecessary awkwardness and maintain a smoother conversation flow.

Editing Messages

Editing a message is a straightforward solution when you’ve spotted a typo, grammatical error, or want to clarify your meaning. It’s like having a digital eraser, allowing you to subtly refine your message without alerting the recipient to your initial mistake.The primary advantage of editing is its discretion. The recipient often receives a notification that the message has been “edited,” but the original content remains hidden.

This can be especially helpful in professional settings or when discussing sensitive topics where clarity is paramount. However, the degree of visibility varies depending on the messaging app. Some apps may allow the recipient to view the edit history, revealing the original message, while others only show the updated version. A disadvantage is that editing isn’t universally available. Apps like SMS do not have an edit function.

Deleting Messages

Deleting a message removes it entirely from the conversation, as if it never existed. This option is most effective when you’ve sent something completely inappropriate, irrelevant, or potentially damaging.Deleting has a strong advantage: complete removal. It’s a clean slate. However, it also comes with significant drawbacks. The recipient might already have read the message, or they might notice its absence, potentially leading to confusion or suspicion.

Furthermore, deleting a message can disrupt the flow of the conversation, making it difficult for the recipient to understand the context of subsequent replies.

Replying with a Correction

Instead of deleting or editing, you can directly address the mistake by sending a follow-up message. This could be a simple correction, an apology, or an elaboration on your original point.The advantage of replying with a correction is its transparency. It acknowledges the error and provides context, showing that you are accountable. It also allows you to maintain the conversation flow.

However, this approach can also highlight your mistake, which may be undesirable in certain situations. It’s also possible that the recipient might not notice your correction, leading to continued misunderstanding.

Scenarios Where Alternatives Are More Appropriate

There are situations where opting for an alternative to unsending is more beneficial. Here’s a breakdown of scenarios where these alternatives shine:

Minor Typos or Grammatical Errors: Editing is ideal for correcting small mistakes that don’t alter the message’s meaning.
Clarifying Ambiguous Statements: Instead of unsending, edit the original message or reply with additional information to avoid misunderstandings.
Professional Communication: In professional settings, editing or replying with a correction maintains a professional image and minimizes disruption.
Avoiding Suspicion: If the message wasn’t severely inappropriate, replying with a correction avoids drawing unnecessary attention.
Group Conversations: Deleting messages in group chats can create confusion; replying with a correction is often a better approach.

Third-Party Apps and Workarounds

The quest to reclaim digital words often leads users down paths less traveled, exploring the potential of third-party applications and inventive workarounds. While the native capabilities of Android messaging apps may sometimes fall short, the promise of message unsending fuels the development and utilization of alternative solutions. This section delves into the landscape of third-party apps, weighing their benefits against potential risks, and unearthing clever tricks employed by users to achieve a semblance of message unsending.

Third-Party Apps Offering Unsending Functionality

The app stores are awash with third-party applications promising the ability to unsend messages. These apps often position themselves as enhancements to existing messaging platforms, offering features that go beyond the native functionality. They might advertise themselves as offering a “recall” feature, allowing users to retract messages sent via popular apps.These apps frequently operate by intercepting and modifying the message data before it reaches the recipient.

They might achieve this by:

Acting as a middleman: The third-party app becomes the intermediary for all messages sent through the supported platforms. It stores the messages on its servers and then forwards them to the recipient. This allows the app to potentially delete the message from its servers before it reaches the recipient.
Utilizing accessibility services: Some apps leverage Android’s accessibility services to monitor the messaging apps. They then attempt to delete the message directly within the messaging app’s interface, often through automated clicks and actions.
Creating a “secret” messaging platform: These apps create their own messaging environment. Messages are sent through their proprietary system, granting the app complete control over message delivery and deletion.

Risks and Benefits of Using Third-Party Apps

Employing third-party apps to unsend messages presents a complex equation of benefits and risks. Weighing these factors carefully is crucial before entrusting these applications with your messaging data.The potential benefits can include:

Enhanced functionality: Third-party apps may offer features beyond simple message unsending, such as scheduled message sending, message encryption, and read receipts.
Convenience: These apps provide a potentially simple solution to a frustrating problem, allowing users to retract messages quickly and easily.
Increased control: Some users may feel empowered by the ability to retract messages, especially when dealing with sensitive information or accidental sends.

However, the risks are substantial and should not be overlooked:

Privacy concerns: Third-party apps often require extensive permissions, including access to your contacts, messages, and internet activity. This raises significant privacy concerns, as your data could be collected, stored, and potentially misused.
Security vulnerabilities: These apps may have security flaws that could make your messages vulnerable to hacking or interception. They may not employ the same security standards as established messaging platforms.
Malware and scams: Some third-party apps may contain malware or be designed to scam users. Downloading from untrusted sources increases the risk of installing malicious software.
Reliability issues: Third-party apps may be unreliable and prone to bugs. The unsending feature may not always work as intended, and messages could still be delivered to the recipient.
Compatibility problems: These apps might not be compatible with all messaging apps or Android versions. Updates to messaging apps could break the functionality of the third-party app.

Ultimately, the decision to use a third-party app is a personal one. However, users should carefully consider the risks and benefits before making their choice.

Workarounds and Tricks for Simulating Message Unsending

Even without dedicated unsending features, resourceful Android users have devised clever workarounds to mitigate the embarrassment of a poorly-worded or wrongly-sent message. These methods often rely on exploiting the limitations of existing messaging apps or utilizing the broader functionalities of the Android operating system.Here are some common workarounds:

Deleting the message on your end: While not technically unsending, this method involves deleting the message from your device immediately after sending it. This is useful for minimizing the evidence of a mistake, especially if the recipient is unlikely to have seen the message yet.
Using the “edit” feature (where available): Some messaging apps allow you to edit a sent message. This allows you to correct typos or rephrase a sentence, but it doesn’t remove the original message entirely.
Blocking the recipient: If you realize a mistake quickly, blocking the recipient can prevent them from seeing the message. This is a drastic measure but can be effective in certain situations.
Quickly sending a correction: The “damage control” approach. Immediately send a follow-up message correcting the mistake or clarifying the intent of the original message.
Exploiting the notification system: Some users will clear the notification for the message if the recipient has not yet opened it. This is not a guarantee that the recipient won’t see it, but can help minimize the impact.
Taking advantage of “disappearing messages”: Apps like Signal and WhatsApp offer a “disappearing messages” feature, where messages automatically vanish after a set period. This can be used proactively to prevent the permanent storage of sensitive information.

These workarounds are not foolproof, and their effectiveness depends on various factors, including the recipient’s actions and the specific messaging app used. However, they can provide a degree of control over your digital footprint and reduce the potential for awkwardness or regret.

Legal and Ethical Considerations: Can You Unsend A Message On Android

The ability to “unsend” a message on Android, while seemingly a convenient feature, opens a Pandora’s Box of legal and ethical quandaries. It’s crucial to understand these implications to use the feature responsibly and avoid potential pitfalls. The implications range from the admissibility of evidence in legal proceedings to the erosion of trust in digital communication. Let’s delve into the complex web of these considerations.

Legal Implications of Unsending Messages

The legal ramifications of unsending messages are significant, particularly in contexts where digital communication serves as evidence. The concept of “erasure” doesn’t always translate cleanly into the legal realm.

Admissibility of Evidence: The primary concern revolves around the admissibility of deleted or unsent messages in court. Courts often grapple with the authenticity and integrity of digital evidence. If a message is unsent, its original content might still exist on the sender’s or receiver’s device, or even on the messaging service’s servers. The ability to “hide” information raises questions about whether the remaining data accurately represents the communication.

For example, consider a case of alleged harassment where a threatening message is unsent. If the recipient has taken a screenshot or the messaging app keeps a record, the unsending might not erase the evidence.
Chain of Custody: Establishing a clear “chain of custody” is vital for digital evidence. This means documenting who had access to the data, when, and how it was handled. Unsending a message complicates this chain. The act of unsending could be interpreted as tampering with evidence, potentially leading to the evidence being deemed inadmissible.
Discovery Requests: During legal proceedings, parties often request the production of electronic documents, including messages. If a message has been unsent, the opposing party might argue that it should still be produced, potentially leading to forensic investigations of devices and servers to recover the deleted content. This process can be costly and time-consuming.
Compliance with Regulations: Depending on the industry and the nature of the communication, there might be specific regulations regarding data retention and deletion. For instance, financial institutions are often required to maintain records of communications for compliance purposes. Unsending a message that should have been retained could violate these regulations.

Ethical Considerations of Unsending Messages

Beyond legalities, the ethical implications of unsending messages are deeply intertwined with transparency, trust, and the potential for manipulation. The power to erase can easily be abused.

Transparency in Communication: Unsending messages can undermine the principle of transparency. When we communicate, we should ideally be accountable for our words. Unsending allows a sender to retract statements, potentially creating a false record of the conversation.
Building and Maintaining Trust: Trust is the bedrock of any relationship, whether personal or professional. Unsending a message, especially if it contains a potentially damaging or controversial statement, can erode trust. The recipient might feel that the sender is hiding something or lacks integrity.
Potential for Manipulation: Unsending can be used to manipulate situations. A sender might send a message with the intent to gauge the recipient’s reaction, then unsend it if the reaction is unfavorable. This behavior is ethically questionable, as it involves deception.
Responsibility and Accountability: The act of unsending can shield individuals from responsibility for their words. It’s crucial to consider the potential impact of a message before sending it, rather than relying on the ability to erase it later.

Scenarios Where Unsending Messages Are Inappropriate

Certain situations highlight the ethical pitfalls of using the “unsend” feature. These examples serve as a guide to responsible digital communication.

Formal Communication: Unsending messages in professional contexts, such as emails or texts to colleagues or clients, is often inappropriate. It can create confusion, erode trust, and suggest a lack of professionalism.
Threatening or Abusive Messages: Unsending a threatening or abusive message after sending it doesn’t erase the harm caused. The recipient might have already seen the message, or taken screenshots. This act is often perceived as an attempt to evade responsibility for harmful actions.
Communication Related to Legal Matters: In any communication that could potentially be relevant to a legal matter, unsending messages should be avoided. It could be interpreted as an attempt to obstruct justice or tamper with evidence.
When Discussing Sensitive Topics: Unsending messages that address sensitive topics, such as personal relationships, financial matters, or health concerns, can be hurtful and confusing. It can signal a lack of respect for the recipient’s feelings or boundaries.
After a Dispute or Argument: Unsending messages after an argument or dispute can be seen as an attempt to rewrite history or avoid accountability. It’s generally better to address the issue directly and honestly, rather than trying to erase the evidence.

Future of Message Unsending on Android

The landscape of digital communication is constantly evolving, and with it, the features we expect from our messaging apps. The ability to “unsend” a message, once a futuristic concept, is now a standard feature. As technology progresses, the future of message unsending on Android promises to be even more sophisticated, offering users greater control and flexibility over their digital footprints.

Potential Future Developments in Message Unsending Features

The evolution of message unsending is likely to focus on several key areas, driven by both user demand and technological advancements. These developments will aim to provide a more seamless and user-friendly experience, while also addressing some of the current limitations.

Enhanced Time Limits and Granularity: Currently, the time window for unsending a message is often limited. Future iterations could allow for extended or customizable time limits, giving users more flexibility. Imagine a setting where you could choose to unsend a message within an hour, a day, or even a week.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: While some apps offer unsending, the feature’s effectiveness can be limited by the recipient’s app or device. Future advancements may include greater interoperability across different messaging platforms, ensuring that unsent messages are removed regardless of the recipient’s chosen application.
Improved Notification Handling: The current system of notifications, which might alert a recipient that a message was unsent, could evolve. Future developments might offer more discreet methods, perhaps even allowing for the silent removal of messages without leaving a trace, or offering customizable notification settings.
Contextual Unsending Options: The unsending process could become more context-aware. This means the system might analyze the content of a message and suggest whether unsending is appropriate based on factors such as tone, recipient, or time of day.
Advanced Editing Capabilities: Instead of simply deleting a message, future unsending features might include the option to replace the original content with a corrected version, similar to the “edit” function in some email clients.
Integration with AI: Artificial intelligence could play a role in predicting and preventing embarrassing or inappropriate messages before they are sent. Imagine an AI assistant that analyzes your message and suggests revisions or warnings if it detects potentially problematic content.

Improvements to Existing Unsending Features

Current unsending features, while functional, have room for improvement. Focusing on user experience and functionality will be key to enhancing their effectiveness.

Confirmation Prompts and Warnings: Before unsending a message, a clear confirmation prompt should appear, warning users that the message will be removed from both their and the recipient’s view. This could prevent accidental unsending.
Transparency Regarding Limitations: Apps should clearly state the limitations of unsending, such as whether it works on all recipients’ devices or if there’s a time limit. This would set realistic expectations for users.
More Robust Support for Group Chats: Unsending in group chats can be inconsistent. Improvements should ensure that unsending removes the message for all group members, or provide clear indications if this isn’t possible.
User-Friendly Interface: The process of unsending a message should be intuitive and easily accessible. The interface should be consistent across different messaging apps.
Accessibility Options: Ensure that unsending features are accessible to users with disabilities, such as providing alternative ways to unsend messages.

Impact of Advancements in Messaging Technology

Advancements in messaging technology are continuously reshaping the landscape, influencing both the need for and the nature of message unsending.

End-to-End Encryption: The widespread adoption of end-to-end encryption, where only the sender and recipient can read messages, will impact unsending. While it enhances privacy, it may also limit the ability of messaging apps to fully delete messages from the recipient’s device.
Ephemeral Messaging: The rise of ephemeral messaging, where messages disappear automatically after a set time, reduces the need for unsending. Apps like Snapchat and Signal, with their focus on self-destructing messages, demonstrate this trend.
Rich Media and Interactive Content: As messaging becomes more multimedia-rich, the unsending of complex messages containing images, videos, and interactive elements could become more challenging.
Messaging Bots and AI Assistants: The integration of bots and AI assistants in messaging apps could offer new ways to manage messages. These assistants could proactively identify potentially problematic content and suggest unsending or editing options.
Decentralized Messaging: The emergence of decentralized messaging platforms, which operate without a central server, could change how unsending works. The decentralized nature might make it more difficult to control message deletion.