https://getsession.org/blog [svg] session logosession logo GitHubBlogFAQTechnicals LightpaperWhitepaperDocumentation Download [image][image] What happens if Twitter gets encrypted DMs? May 06, 2022 / Alex Linton Ah, encryption. The lifeblood of cybersecurity. Elon Musk recently suggested adding encryption to Twitter DMs. But would that really make Twitter DMs private? Read More >> More posts [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy: Calls beta release April 25, 2022 / Alex Linton Session voice and video calls are now in beta. Now, absolutely anyone can try out peer-to-peer calls in their favourite messaging app -- Session! [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Does Musk buying Twitter open conversation for decentralised social media? April 21, 2022 / Wesley Sukh With Elon Musk is trying to purchase Twitter, read our deep dive into why that might be a bad idea and why we should embrace decentralised models instead. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Just the two of us: Why you should care about private calls April 14, 2022 / Wesley Sukh Our calls beta will be arriving in just a few more sleeps. Whilst hotly anticipated, some of you might be wondering: why are private calls such a big deal? [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Bigger, better, stronger: Everything you need to know about our decentralised network April 04, 2022 / Alex Linton One of the most unique and important parts of Session is that it is decentralised. Let's take a closer look at Session's network -- how it works, how big it is, and what it means for you. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Decentralised activism: Building tech infrastructure for action March 29, 2022 / Alex Linton Power to the people. Power to the people. Power to the people. Here's how decentralised technology can help empower activists around the world. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Intentional communities in digital spaces: What side of TikTok are you on? March 22, 2022 / Alex Linton Algorithms are the great manipulators of the modern age. What makes you laugh, or cry? So what's it mean to be on a 'side of TikTok'? [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Message requests release: Knock, knock. Who's there? February 22, 2022 / Alex Linton Introducing: Message requests. From now on, messages you receive from unknown users or contacts will now be filtered into a message requests folder. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Opt-in market research program: Help us make Session the best it can be February 21, 2022 / Alex Linton Our ethos is that we want to treat Session users like people, not a stack of data to be used and abused -- and we want to have some open conversations with real Session users. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Global search release: Finding a needle in a message-stack February 07, 2022 / Alex Linton Global search is Session's newest feature! Search functionality is a big addition -- especially if you have thousands of messages to sift through. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] I need a new identity: Social media and the identity ecosystem February 03, 2022 / Alex Linton These days you can login or create an account on pretty much any website using your Facebook, Google, or Apple account -- but this is a disaster for online anonymity. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] How to strip metadata from your files January 07, 2022 / Alex Linton To share a file without sharing the metadata as well--to preserve your privacy or anonymity-- you'll need to strip the file's metadata. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Disposing of Big Tech: Building better algorithms (Part Two) January 05, 2022 / Alex Linton Why would we regulate algorithms? How would we do it? And, what will the effects actually be? These are some of the most important questions in tech right now. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] 2021 retrospective: Messaging, calling, and communicating December 29, 2021 / Alex Linton As 2021 comes to a close, there is no better time to look back at what happened in the messaging space -- it's been a big year after all. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Disposing of Big Tech: Free speech is not disposable (Part One) December 22, 2021 / Alex Linton How do we stifle the spread of hate and misinformation on social media? Is the answer content moderation? Or are algorithms to blame? [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Calls on Session: How to opt-in December 20, 2021 / Alex Linton We know there's one important item on every Session user's wishlist this holiday season, and that's exactly what we've got -- voice and video calls (sort of). [yH5BAEAAAA][image] No caller ID: Calls on Session December 07, 2021 / Alex Linton Voice and video calls have been Session's most requested feature ever since we launched. Here's what to expect now that voice calls are released on Session. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Livin' on the land of Big Tech: The gentrification of the internet November 29, 2021 / Alex Linton Do you believe in technology? In the world wide web of mega-corporations, rent goes up while innovation goes down. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] The Matrix vs. The Metaverse November 09, 2021 / Alex Linton When Mark Zuckerberg introduced Facebook's new brand--Meta--in an hour-long Connect 2021 presentation, I (along with others no doubt) had a nagging thought throughout: is this what our matrix looks like? [yH5BAEAAAA][image] The anonymity argument: Debunking the real name fallacy November 03, 2021 / Alex Linton The internet gave us mass-scale pseudonymous connection and communication. But is this way of interacting was really healthy, productive or...human? [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Flip the switch: Global Encryption Day 2021 October 21, 2021 / Alex Linton This Global Encryption Day, the cybersecurity community is calling for people to #MakeTheSwitch to end-to-end encryption. The OPTF is proud to join the call and stand in support of encryption. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Session stories: Why do you use Session? October 06, 2021 / Alex Linton This year, 'Send it to me on Session' has become a part of my everyday language. If you're in the same boat, we want to hear from you! Session Release Roundup #13: It's all about the UXSession Release Roundup #13: It's all about the UX Session Release Roundup #13: It's all about the UX September 16, 2021 / Harris Welcome to Session Release Roundup #13! This Release Roundup includes closed group improvements, a new look Android conversation screen, ONS resolution and more! [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Why are phone numbers a privacy problem? September 14, 2021 / Alex Linton Phone numbers are not private. Using your phone number can put your privacy at risk. If you've spent much time around the privacy movement, you've probably heard countless people lament the privacy shortcomings of phone numbers. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] On the recent Australian surveillance legislation September 09, 2021 / Alex Linton Regulators are increasingly acting with open hostility towards encryption, security, and privacy. The latest chapter in this sorry story took place in our own backyard when Australia's government passed a new bill granting increased surveillance capacities. Session has features like automatically deleting messages and message time to live. Self-destructing messages help preserve your privacy when you're messaging.Session has features like automatically deleting messages and message time to live. Self-destructing messages help preserve your privacy when you're messaging. Deleting messages and time-to-live: This message will self-destruct in... September 06, 2021 / Alex Linton Digital conversations are fundamentally different to real-world conversations. When you have a conversation over text, you're creating a record. The record you create will persist long into the future, and it can quickly paint a high fidelity picture about your life. [yH5BAEAAAA][image] Contact discovery: Finding friends without foes August 09, 2021 / Alex Linton Messaging platforms are useless if there's nobody to read your message. But some apps sacrifice privacy to make it easier to find your friends. Communication Cooperative: A messaging app that can't sell out Communication Cooperative: A messaging app that can't sell out Communication Cooperative: A messaging app that can't sell out July 26, 2021 / Alex Linton We designed Session from the ground up to be run by the people, for the people. Session is one of the world's first messaging apps run like a co-op. Privacy propaganda: The war on encryptionPrivacy propaganda: The war on encryption Privacy propaganda: The war on encryption June 23, 2021 / Alex Linton Encryption is vital to defending digital privacy, but it's being painted as the villain of the tech world. Push back against the anti-encryption agenda. Privacy washing: Creating a clean image for dirty techPrivacy washing: Creating a clean image for dirty tech Privacy washing: Creating a clean image for dirty tech June 11, 2021 / Alex Linton Companies are using the push for privacy to market their tech whether it's private or not. Session on scale: Open group extravaganzaSession on scale: Open group extravaganza Session on scale: Open group extravaganza May 21, 2021 / Alex Linton Introducing the superpowered open groups 2.0 -- a complete overhaul of the way open groups work. Session Release Roundup #12: Open Groups OverhaulSession Release Roundup #12: Open Groups Overhaul Session Release Roundup #12: Open Groups Overhaul May 14, 2021 / admin Welcome to Session Release Roundup #12! This Release Roundup includes brand new open groups, closed group improvements, and bug fixes! WhatsApp privacy policy teardown: This is where it endsWhatsApp privacy policy teardown: This is where it ends WhatsApp privacy policy teardown: This is where it ends May 07, 2021 / Alex Linton Accepting the new WhatsApp privacy policy by May 15 is mandatory. Here's everything you need to know, and why you should leave WhatsApp now. Session code audit: Technical report published by QuarkslabSession code audit: Technical report published by Quarkslab Session code audit: Technical report published by Quarkslab April 29, 2021 / admin A Session code audit for the Android, iOS, and Desktop versions of Session been completed by the cybersecurity research company Quarkslab. End-to-end encryption: Secure messengers and messagingEnd-to-end encryption: Secure messengers and messaging End-to-end encryption: Secure messengers and messaging April 26, 2021 / Alex Linton End-to-end encryption is the most private and secure way to communicate online. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is offered in most modern messaging apps, but how does it work? Your adversary: Who's a hacker, anyway?Your adversary: Who's a hacker, anyway? Your adversary: Who's a hacker, anyway? April 20, 2021 / Alex Linton A fundamental concept underpinning the field of cybersecurity is adversaries. Adversaries are any two parties who have opposing interests. The crypto craze: Implementing cryptocurrency into a messengerThe crypto craze: Implementing cryptocurrency into a messenger The crypto craze: Implementing cryptocurrency into a messenger April 08, 2021 / Alex Linton Cryptocurrencies are in the headlines again lately. Everyone who's anyone is talking about them, trading them, and...putting crypto into their messenger? Trust on first use: The Achilles heel of centralised messengersTrust on first use: The Achilles heel of centralised messengers Trust on first use: The Achilles heel of centralised messengers April 07, 2021 / Kee Jefferys When you first send a message on a new app, you're trusting that service to send your message to the right person without compromising its integrity or privacy. How can we remove that trust? Ground Safe: Putting secure tech in the hands of democracy's defendersGround Safe: Putting secure tech in the hands of democracy's defenders Ground Safe: Putting secure tech in the hands of democracy's defenders March 19, 2021 / admin A groundbreaking new report sheds light on ways for secure communications tech to evolve so it can better protect people working to defend our human rights. Session Release Roundup #11: Return of the Multi-DeviceSession Release Roundup #11: Return of the Multi-Device Session Release Roundup #11: Return of the Multi-Device March 05, 2021 / admin Welcome to Session Release Roundup #11! This Release Roundup includes multi-device, a brand new conversation screen for iOS, and some bug fixes! Multidevice beta: How you can use it -- and help improve itMultidevice beta: How you can use it -- and help improve it Multidevice beta: How you can use it -- and help improve it February 16, 2021 / admin A while back, we pulled multidevice support back into the workshop with the aim of implementing a more effective version in future, promising it would return someday. Well, today is that day, and the future is now. Multidevice is rolling out in early beta right now to an App Store or Play Store near you! ... Data, data, data: Session user analytics and anonymityData, data, data: Session user analytics and anonymity Data, data, data: Session user analytics and anonymity February 10, 2021 / Alex Linton Session has been seeing massive user growth recently, with tens of thousands of active users in dozens of countries around the world. But hold on a minute -- Session is also completely anonymous, with no phone numbers or other identifiers. So how do we know how many users we have, or where they are? Mobile ... Session Release Roundup #10: Mega editionSession Release Roundup #10: Mega edition Session Release Roundup #10: Mega edition January 28, 2021 / admin Closed groups grow to 100! Plus: Protocol changes, performance improvements, and more Hello, it's me, haven't seen you in a while. It's been a few months since we last piped up, but don't worry -- we've been hard at work tippy-tapping away, writing, wrangling, and working on brand new code to build a bright future ... How to help us translate Session into new languages quickly and easilyHow to help us translate Session into new languages quickly and easily How to help us translate Session into new languages quickly and easily December 28, 2020 / admin We want to make Session available in as many languages as possible. If you speak a language which Session isn't yet available in, here's how you can help! The Session Protocol: What's changing -- and whyThe Session Protocol: What's changing -- and why The Session Protocol: What's changing -- and why December 16, 2020 / Kee Jefferys Session is moving to a purpose-built new encryption protocol: the Session Protocol. Read all about why we're making the move, and what it means for users. Session Protocol: Technical implementation detailsSession Protocol: Technical implementation details Session Protocol: Technical implementation details December 15, 2020 / Kee Jefferys Read up on the technical information behind the new Session Protocol, and our plans for rolling it out. The Session Protocol: A new standard for decentralised private messagingThe Session Protocol: A new standard for decentralised private messaging The Session Protocol: A new standard for decentralised private messaging December 14, 2020 / Kee Jefferys It's time for a new encryption protocol built from the ground up for decentralised secure messaging. Introducing the Session Protocol. Privacy on trial: How encryption laws and backdoors threaten us all Privacy on trial: How encryption laws and backdoors threaten us all Privacy on trial: How encryption laws and backdoors threaten us all December 04, 2020 / Alex Linton Leaders around the world are advocating for anti-encryption and backdoor laws. Here's why it's never okay to compromise E2EE. Session Release Roundup #9: Closed groups grow up! Plan a party, message your squad, or nail down that next office meetingSession Release Roundup #9: Closed groups grow up! Plan a party, message your squad, or nail down that next office meeting Session Release Roundup #9: Closed groups grow up! Plan a party, message your squad, or nail down that next office meeting October 08, 2020 / admin Welcome to Session Release Roundup #9! This Release Roundup includes a bigger closed groups, along with some major fixes to push notifications. Session Release Roundup #8: Light mode arrives -- and much, much more Session Release Roundup #8: Light mode arrives -- and much, much more Session Release Roundup #8: Light mode arrives -- and much, much more September 04, 2020 / admin Welcome to Session Release Roundup #8! This Release Roundup includes a bold new look for Session's UI, along with some major fixes and improvements. Session Release Roundup #7: Translations, notifications, and more! Session Release Roundup #7: Translations, notifications, and more! Session Release Roundup #7: Translations, notifications, and more! August 03, 2020 / admin Welcome to Session Release Roundup #7! This round of releases includes some pretty big changes and some exciting additions -- read all the latest now! The future of Session's multi-device supportThe future of Session's multi-device support The future of Session's multi-device support August 03, 2020 / admin Session's multi-device support is being taken back into the shop for some love and attention. Read up on why, when, and what's next for multi-device. Session Release Roundup #6: The moment you've all been waiting for... Desktop overhaul!Session Release Roundup #6: The moment you've all been waiting for... Desktop overhaul! Session Release Roundup #6: The moment you've all been waiting for... Desktop overhaul! July 17, 2020 / admin How many refactors does it take to overhaul the entire Session code base? Well, 3 -- one for iOS, one for Android... and now, one for Desktop. That's right -- the Desktop client refactor is DONE! You can download it right now! Although this might seem like 'just another refactor', it will actually bring huge ... Session Release Roundup #5: Staying mobileSession Release Roundup #5: Staying mobile Session Release Roundup #5: Staying mobile June 26, 2020 / admin Welcome to Session Release Roundup #5! Highlights include mobile updates to prepare for the desktop refactor, and some serious speed and reliability gains. Session for beginners: Your Session starts hereSession for beginners: Your Session starts here Session for beginners: Your Session starts here June 19, 2020 / Alex Linton There have been a lot of reasons for people to suddenly take an interest in private messengers recently. Previously, encrypted messengers were mostly used by tech aficionados -- and it shows in the way these apps are designed. But now private messengers are becoming more and more popular. Let's go through some of the basics ... Android trackers and permissions: Did I say you could do that?Android trackers and permissions: Did I say you could do that? Android trackers and permissions: Did I say you could do that? June 15, 2020 / Alex Linton As netizens have become more and more tech-literate over the years, lots of people have developed their own list of 'scam app' red flags to look out for. This might be things as simple as poor reviews, poorly written app descriptions, or things just looking plain dodgy. Most people have been around the internet rodeo ... Cost of admission: What info do you give away when signing up for a new private messenger?Cost of admission: What info do you give away when signing up for a new private messenger? Cost of admission: What info do you give away when signing up for a new private messenger? June 11, 2020 / Alex Linton Signing up is a critical moment whenever you start using a new service, and sometimes it can feel like signing a deal with the devil -- how much are you sacrificing to start sending messages securely? And when you're making an account on a (supposedly) private messenger, it can feel like this is all defeating ... Session Release Roundup #4: Spreading the loveSession Release Roundup #4: Spreading the love Session Release Roundup #4: Spreading the love June 05, 2020 / admin Welcome to Session Release Roundup #4! Highlights include 3-hop onion requests on all platforms for improved anonymity, and Session en espanol for Android! Session Release Roundup #3: Filling the Android voidSession Release Roundup #3: Filling the Android void Session Release Roundup #3: Filling the Android void May 27, 2020 / admin Welcome to Session Release Roundup #3! Highlights include some massive improvements to Session on Android as a result of a major code refactor. Session Release Roundup #2: Fresh apples!Session Release Roundup #2: Fresh apples! Session Release Roundup #2: Fresh apples! May 11, 2020 / admin Welcome to Session Release Roundup #2! Highlights include a huge round of bugfixes and improvements on iOS, and news about Spanish localisation! Session Release Roundup #1: You've got mail!Session Release Roundup # 1: You've got mail! Session Release Roundup #1: You've got mail! April 23, 2020 / admin Welcome to the first ever Session release roundup! In these posts, we're going to talk about all of the newest fixes, features, and future plans for Session. Every time there's a major Session release, we'll put out one of these -- and an accompanying email newsletter -- so you can see what's changed, and what ... Verifying software downloads on Linux, Windows, and macOSVerifying software downloads on Linux, Windows, and macOS Verifying software downloads on Linux, Windows, and macOS April 09, 2020 / admin Don't care what's behind the scenes? Skip straight to software verification tutorials for macOS, Linux, and Windows. Back in the day, software used to arrive in the form of floppy discs, MiniDiscs, and CD-ROMs. But now, it's all about the download. Everything is downloaded: the apps you use to keep in touch with your family, ... Dev Diary: The rise and fall of the zombie swarmDev Diary: The rise and fall of the zombie swarm Dev Diary: The rise and fall of the zombie swarm March 24, 2020 / Alex Linton Building a decentralised messenger can cause some headaches -- read all about how our devs problem solved their way through message storage for Session. Sybil disobedience: How Session protects your anonymity using blockchain and crypto techSybil disobedience: How Session protects your anonymity using blockchain and crypto tech Sybil disobedience: How Session protects your anonymity using blockchain and crypto tech February 26, 2020 / Alex Linton Session bucks the trend of blockchain vaporware with a real, usable product built on blockchain. Learn how blockchain and crypto power Session's backend. Community spirit: How to contribute to Session's developmentCommunity spirit: How to contribute to Session's development Community spirit: How to contribute to Session's development February 17, 2020 / admin Session is open-source, and open-source software means community collaboration. Read about all the ways you can contribute to Session's development. What is metadata? Four syllables -- zero privacyWhat is metadata? Four syllables -- zero privacy What is metadata? Four syllables -- zero privacy February 10, 2020 / Alex Linton Metadata is the biggest privacy risk you've never heard of. Learn what metadata is -- and how to minimise your online footprint. Onion requests: Session's new message routing solutionOnion requests: Session's new message routing solution Onion requests: Session's new message routing solution January 30, 2020 / Alex Linton Shortly after launch, Session will be moving to a new onion routing system called onion requests. Read up on the tech, and the reasons behind the change. Anonymity 101: Day-to-day ways to stay anonymous onlineAnonymity 101: Day-to-day ways to stay anonymous online Anonymity 101: Day-to-day ways to stay anonymous online January 23, 2020 / admin The little things really do add up when it comes to online privacy. Check out 9 steps you can take to keep yourself, and your data, safe online. Dev Diary: Creating a decentralised friend request systemDev Diary: Creating a decentralised friend request system Dev Diary: Creating a decentralised friend request system January 16, 2020 / admin Session is designed to be privacy first -- decentralised servers, no phone numbers, the whole lot -- but that creates some problems. Here's how we solved one of them -- friend requests. Confirming identities onlineConfirming identities online Confirming identities online January 10, 2020 / admin Staying private online is important for everyone -- but for some, it can be crucial. Learn how to confirm who you're talking to while staying anonymous. How to make an anonymous tip -- and stay safeHow to make an anonymous tip -- and stay safe How to make an anonymous tip -- and stay safe January 07, 2020 / Alex Linton Staying safe is the number one priority if you're a whistleblower. Learn how to tip off journalists while keeping yourself safe. Session and Australia's Laws to Circumvent Secure Communications Session and Australia's Laws to Circumvent Secure Communications Session and Australia's Laws to Circumvent Secure Communications January 02, 2020 / admin Governments around the world are seeking backdoors to access encrypted communications. We have kept a close eye on the evolving laws that aim to do this. Freelance and independent journalism: How do you stay safe? Freelance and independent journalism: How do you stay safe? Freelance and independent journalism: How do you stay safe? December 31, 2019 / Alex Linton Independent journalists often search for and publish things someone wants kept quiet. That's what journalism is for -- but it's important for journalists to stay safe and secure. Onion routing: Private messaging's missing linkOnion routing: Private messaging's missing link Onion routing: Private messaging's missing link December 26, 2019 / Alex Linton End-to-end encrypted messaging apps are popping up left and right, but finding the most private and the most secure can feel like a game of Whack-a-Mole. Centralisation vs decentralisation in private messagingCentralisation vs decentralisation in private messaging Centralisation vs decentralisation in private messaging December 23, 2019 / Alex Linton Many private messaging apps have a critical flaw: centralisation. Learn why decentralisation is the future of secure private messaging. What can someone do with your phone number?What can someone do with your phone number? What can someone do with your phone number? December 17, 2019 / Alex Linton Phone numbers are tied to our online identities: we use them as logins and to secure our accounts with SMS two-factor verification. But how secure are they? Private messaging apps: Who needs a secure messenger -- and why? Private messaging apps: Who needs a secure messenger -- and why? Private messaging apps: Who needs a secure messenger -- and why? December 15, 2019 / Alex Linton Private messaging is a great way to protect your right to privacy online. But for some, private messaging isn't just nice to have -- it's a necessity. Join the movement to keep the internet private! Chat with like-minded individuals in the Session Open Group Channel. Friends don't let friends use compromised messengers. Sign up to the mailing list and start taking action! [ ]Sign up About WhitepaperPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceBlogFAQ Company OPTFOxenLokinetMedia KitTransparency Report Links Contact [email protected] [svg] session logosession logo Session is an end-to-end encrypted messenger that removes sensitive metadata collection, and is designed for people who want privacy and freedom from any forms of surveillance.