So I thought I would create a post to talk about some encrypted messaging services. I know Tom talks about Signal occasionally but Signal is not the only one out there. Here is a list of some messaging apps and protocols including Signal. My criteria:
- Must be free (as in freedom) and Open source software (foss)
- Must have had some sort of security audit
- Must be on F-droid to some extent (Signal is the exception)
- Must be be completed and out of beta
I am writing this from Android (AOSP) perspective.
Signal
Signal is probably the most popular and well known out side of Telegraph and WhatsApp. I do not think I need to talk to much about it but I will point out some potential downsides. The Signal app still requires a phone number to sign up although you now do not need to share your number. Another issue I have with it is its dependency on proprietary software and services. There is no official Libre version and they do not publish on F-droid.
Molly and Molly FOSS
Molly is a soft fork of Signal that aims to fix some of the issues with Signal. It is on F-droid and has a completely foss version with no Google proprietary libraries. It also has some cool features such as app locking and encryption, some support for unified push, support for routing via Tor and a few other things. I like Molly because it has a completely foss version which works well for me. Molly still uses Signals servers for messages.
Simplex Chat
Simplex chat is a new messager that protects privacy and prevents spam. It does not require a phone number and there is no central identifier. You can add contacts via one time links shared via QR codes. This protects against spam and unwanted messages. I also like that you can create “incognito chats” which are chats that do not share account display names or profile images. Simplex Chat does not use Google services and has its own notification system. It also has a first party F-droid app.
Matrix
Matrix is closer to a discord alternative than anything. It is a federated platform that allows for chats and online discussion. Dedicated communities can also use spaces which are effectively groups of chat rooms. One downside is that you need to turn on encryption and it only works for private messages. Another aspect of Matrix is that there are tons of clients. This might be a benifit or a drawback depending on who you are.
Briar
Briar is more of an app for groups of people who are being targeted by a governments or powerful organizations. It would be great for protests but is not idea for day to day usage. The cool part about Briar is that it is totally decentralized. Messages can sync over Bluetooth, local WiFi or Tor. Additionally messages can be relayed by a third person who is in the contact list of all parties. Briar has Forms, blogs and private groups. Forms are exactly what they sound like. Blogs are just public read only messages and private groups are groups that are private. The biggest draw back to Briar is that you need to be online always if you want to receive messages. This isn’t always practical so Briar has Briar mailbox which is a second device you can leave at home to receive messages while you are offline.
Conclusion
This is not a complete list but it is a start. I left out some messagers that I didn’t like such as Session.