Yes your Matrix homeserver does have to run the bridges. So I agree with you - you have to somewhat trust the admins of your Homeserver, or host your own homeserver and bridges. But I understand that the latter is not for everyone.

Which funnily enough, has bridges to Signal, Whatsapp, Discord, Telegram and some more, meaning you wouldn’t have to have as many other clients installed to chat with contacts on those platforms

Knowing where the Netherlands begins?

check out “conversations” its free on f-fdroid and paid in the play store (although from time to time its free there, also)

Alternatively: Firefox for Android + uBlock origin addon works well for me.

Unfortunately, there’s no Sponsor Block addon for Firefox Android.