[Discuss] Is it possible to run Signal on Linux?

[rrose at pobox.com (Randall Rose)]

I was recently trying to run Signal, the encrypted messaging system.  At signal.org, they do offer a download of what's called "Signal Desktop", but in the fine print they say it won't work unless you also install the app on "your phone".  In my case, I don't have an evilphone, so I gather I can't run the SIgnal app as they intend.  I am using Ubuntu currently on my desktop.

I had some questions:

--Has anyone found a way of sending and receiving messages thru Signal without an evilphone?  For instance, is it possible to run a version of Android or iOS on top of a Linux desktop and run Signal that way without bringing in too much of Android/iOS phones' evilness?

--Or if people haven't tried this personally, does someone have an idea how it could be done?

--Are detailed instructions available?

--Intuitively, it seems kind of strange that a system like Signal would be provided in a way that you have to give up your privacy to a tech-exploiting megacorporation before you can use it.  Signal has been around for quite a while and I would have thought it was pretty mature.  Does the best available path to using Signal still require you to have a Google/Apple account (ick!) or have Google Play watch you downloading the app (yuck!)