secure messaging Archives

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Decentralizing Trust — An Interview with the Team Behind Session Messenger

Session is a decentralized messaging platform that prioritizes user anonymity and metadata resistance. It operates on a network of community-operated servers, eliminating central authority and personal identifiers such as phone numbers or emails for account creation. This design minimizes risks of data breaches and unauthorized tracking. Session does not collect user metadata, which distinguishes it from other messaging apps that may expose user insights through metadata. Users are assigned randomly generated cryptographic keys instead of traditional identifiers, ensuring secure messaging. Messages are routed via a protocol called Onion Requests, which strips metadata during transmission. The platform is open-source, benefiting from community contributions, and aims to enhance user privacy by employing anonymous routing. Recent developments include a migration to the Session Network for improved accessibility and security, and a move to Switzerland for better data protection. Session is introducing a Pro tier to enhance user experience while maintaining free access for all. The platform emphasizes the importance of transparency and robust design in communication tools.

AppWizard

July 18, 2025

Russia Moves to Ban WhatsApp and Launch State Messenger.

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is widely used in Russia, but the government has raised concerns about its compliance with local data localization laws due to its servers being outside the country. As a result, state-owned employees are prohibited from using WhatsApp for official communications starting in 2025, and a complete ban could be imposed if Meta does not comply with regulations. The Russian government is developing a domestic messaging service, informally called “Vlad’s App,” expected to launch by the end of 2025, to enhance control over information and ensure compliance with local laws. While the current ban affects only government and state employees, broader restrictions on WhatsApp may occur, potentially impacting private users. The government's push for digital sovereignty aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and promote domestic alternatives, raising concerns about freedom of expression and the isolation of Russia's internet from the global community.

AppWizard

July 13, 2025

Secure Messaging: The Guardian Leverages Millions of Readers to Provide Strong Plausible Deniability

The Guardian has introduced a tool called Secure Messaging to protect journalistic sources, utilizing an open-source technology named CoverDrop. This system allows whistleblowers to communicate securely and anonymously with journalists by concealing the fact that messaging is occurring. CoverDrop integrates a module within The Guardian's mobile app, an untrusted cloud-based API, on-premises services known as CoverNode, and a desktop application for journalists. The CoverNode functions as a mix node to ensure the anonymity of sources. The app exchanges encrypted messages that appear indistinguishable from regular app data, providing cover for users. The technology has been rolled out to millions of users this year, and a white paper detailing its design has been published. Currently, the platform does not allow sharing of photographs or documents, but future plans include linking uploaded files with conversations. The source code for CoverDrop is available on GitHub under the Apache License 2.0.

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

Jack Dorsey launches Bitchat, a secure messaging app that doesn’t use the internet

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, Bluesky, and Square, has introduced a private messaging application called Bitchat, which operates independently of traditional internet or cellular networks. Bitchat utilizes decentralized Bluetooth technology and end-to-end encryption for secure communication. It is based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks, extending the typical Bluetooth range from 100 meters to 300 meters. Developed with the help of an AI coding companion named Goose, Bitchat is described as a "weekend project." The app aims to provide resilient and private communication, but critics have raised security concerns about its authentication system. Dorsey has issued a disclaimer stating that Bitchat is a "work in progress" and has not undergone external security review, warning users against relying on its security until it is evaluated.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey Builds Bitchat, A Bluetooth Messaging App That Doesn’t Need Internet, Phone Numbers

Jack Dorsey has launched a messaging app called Bitchat, which operates without an internet connection by using a Bluetooth mesh network. The app allows devices to communicate directly, facilitating message exchanges without mobile data or centralized servers. Currently in beta testing on Apple TestFlight, Bitchat aims for peer-to-peer communication off the grid and incorporates "store and forward" technology for message delivery. It allows users to communicate anonymously without the need for accounts or personal information, making it suitable for privacy-conscious individuals, activists, and those in areas with restricted internet access. However, Bitchat has limitations, including range restrictions due to Bluetooth connectivity, support for only plain text messages, and potential increased battery consumption. The app is still in development and not fully polished.

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

We asked cybersecurity experts to build a privacy toolbox for $10 per month – here’s what they came up with, and more

In the digital landscape, online activities are monitored, leading to targeted advertising, scams, and privacy breaches. Individuals can enhance their digital security through various tools, including VPNs, antivirus software, password managers, secure browsers, encrypted messaging apps, and data removal services. VPNs protect internet traffic through encryption, with options like Mo Harber-Lamond at .91/month, Surfshark starting at .99/month, and ExpressVPN from .99/month. Antivirus software, such as Amber Bouman at .17/month, Norton 360 Deluxe from .17/month, and Malwarebytes Plus from .81/month, defends against malware and phishing. Password managers like Amber Bouman at .99/month, Bitwarden (free), and NordPass from .29/month help secure passwords. Secure browsers include George Phillips (free), Vivaldi (free), and Tor (free), which prioritize user privacy. Encrypted messaging apps like George Phillips (free), Session (free), and Threema (one-time payment) enhance communication security. Data removal services, such as Mo Harber-Lamond at .29/month, Optery from .99/month, and PrivacyBee from .99/month, help reduce personal data exposure. Budget-friendly options for privacy tools can be assembled for under /month, while premium bundles can cost around /month. The highest privacy-focused bundle totals /month, featuring Mullvad VPN, Proton Pass, Tor, and Session. Mobile privacy protection can be achieved for .01/month with NordVPN and Bitdefender Mobile Security. The Proton Unlimited bundle, priced at .99/month, offers an all-in-one solution with various encrypted services.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Sends Messenger sees rapid growth, expanding user base in India

Sends Messenger has gained popularity as a leading chat application in India, experiencing a significant increase in downloads due to its focus on secure messaging. The app prioritizes privacy with features such as end-to-end encryption, user anonymity, and a no data-sharing policy. It offers a user-friendly interface with advanced security options, including self-destructing messages and private group chats. The development team is working on adding payment solutions within the app for seamless money transactions. The app's growth is fueled by rising awareness of digital privacy and the demand for secure, feature-rich platforms in India's large market of over 800 million smartphone users. Sends Messenger is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Iran encourages citizens to use a messaging app previously flagged as a state surveillance tool

Iranian authorities are promoting the domestic messaging app Bale for communication with family abroad amid a near-total internet blackout since June 18, 2025. Bale has 16.5 million monthly active users as of May 2023, with increased adoption following restrictions on Western apps after 2022 protests. A security audit by the Open Technology Fund revealed critical vulnerabilities in Bale and two other Iranian messaging apps, Eitaa and Rubika, including the lack of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) and potential state surveillance through a state-owned service called the Message Exchange Bus (MXB). Bale's encryption could compromise sensitive data and shares location data during authentication. Experts recommend more secure alternatives like Signal and advise against using Bale for sensitive communications. Since the blackout, internet connectivity remains poor, with the government urging citizens to delete WhatsApp and imposing restrictions that have increased VPN usage by over 700%.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Forget WhatsApp And Telegram—Radical New Messenger Confirmed

WhatsApp and Telegram each have over a billion users but face scrutiny for security issues and tracking practices. A new state-controlled messaging app, VladsApp, has been approved by Russian lawmakers as an alternative to these platforms. Sergei Boyarsky, head of the Duma’s Committee on Information Policy, described it as a “secure, multifunctional alternative” aimed at enhancing digital security in Russia. The app will operate on state-controlled infrastructure and is expected to integrate with government services, allowing personal information transfer with user consent. The draft legislation must pass through parliament and receive President Vladimir Putin's signature to become law. There are concerns that the state may restrict access to foreign messaging services to promote VladsApp among users in Russia.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

WhatsApp and iMessage competitor: Elon Musk announces new Vchat messenger

Elon Musk has introduced XChat, a secure messaging service aimed at transforming X (formerly Twitter) into a comprehensive communication platform. XChat focuses on privacy, file sharing, and cross-platform calling, competing with established messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram. It is developed using Rust and features Bitcoin-style encryption and end-to-end encryption to ensure message confidentiality. Currently in beta testing, XChat will be rolled out to more users soon, although no official launch date has been set. This service is part of Musk's vision to create a "super app" that combines social networking, digital payments, media sharing, and private communication, similar to WeChat. Analysts believe XChat could significantly influence the development of Web3 applications and challenge traditional messaging platforms to innovate in security and functionality.