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Privacy: Encrypted Texting/Calling

Encrypted Realtime Messaging

What is Encrypted Messaging?

End-to-end encrytion (E2EE) is a form of communication where the messages are encrypted in such a way that only the people involved in the conversation can read them. See Understanding Encryption for more information on this.

Why do I Need Encrypted Messaging?

These days, all messages are encrypted (except SMS text messages), but the service provider (Google, Facebook, etc) has the keys to decrypt your messages and can read them if they want to or are ordered to by a warrant. This means that a company can scan your messages to insert unwelcome ads or alter or block messages entirely, or that a rogue employee can steal the images and information you transmit. E2EE Messaging makes this impossible.

What Should I Look For in an Encrypted Messenger?

The most important thing is to make sure the person you’re contacting is using the same service as you. These services only work if both parties are using the same encryption system. When making your decision, you should consider if any of your contacts are already widely using an encrypted messenger. If none of your contacts are using an encrypted messenger or if you think there’s room for improvement, consider one from the list below.

Avoid The Following

  • Telegram has several serious shorcomings such as contadictary statements regarding their data disclosure practices, regarding their data disclosure practices, lack of end-to-end encryption by default (plus end-to-end encryption is only available on mobile devices and one cannot encrypt group chats at all), and collecting more user data than a private messenger ideally should. If you insist on using Telegram, consider it an open social media platform and not an encrypted messenger.
  • WhatsApp is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), who is a notorious enemy of privacy, and collects massive amounts of metadata. While the content itself may be encrypted, there are better options who respect your metadata.

Listed in alphabetical order, not order of recommendation

Pros
Cons
  • Lacks perfect forward secrecy

  • Criticisms regarding their reliance on cryptocurrency (the cryptocurrency aspect is invisible to the end-user)

Pros
Cons
  • Not available on F-Droid

  • Centralized

  • Phone number required for signup (can be VoIP)

Pros
Cons
  • Still early in development, may be missing features

Cons
  • Not available on F-Droid

  • Centralized

  • Not free

  • Desktop app must be synced every time

  • Missing mainstream features such as stickers and GIF support

Click here to see my criteria for selecting these services

Honorable Mention: Briar

Briar logo

Briar is only available on Android (and a Linux version still in testing). It also do not support a method to export chat data. As such it does not meet the requirements for listing on this website. However, Androids are far more common than iPhones in most parts of the world. Additionally, Briar can work even in parts of the world where the infrastructure is unreliable or has been destroyed. This is because Briar is a peer-to-peer messenger that does not rely on any servers - it can connect directly to other devices via Bluetooth or WiFi, making it both impossible to censor and viable even when the internet or cell towers are not functional. Furthermore, Briar is specifically designed for journalists, activists, and those with particularly high threat models. It routes data through Tor when possible to strip metadata. Briar is considered one of the most secure options available for private messaging. Again, Briar is not officially recommended here because it is not cross-platform and is missing chat backup functionality, but if you live in a highly volatile area with unreliable networking and a high number of Android users in your area, Briar would be my top recommendation without reservation.

Tips & Tricks

Some additional resources for deciding which secure messaging is right for you could include the Secure Messaging Apps Comparison Chart, SecuChart, and this chart.