+ Centralized messengers are those where every participant is on the same server or network of servers controlled by the same organization.
+We only recommend instant messenger programs or apps that support end-to-end encryption (E2EE). When E2EE is used, all transmissions (messages, voice, video, etc.) are encrypted before they are sent from your device. E2EE protects both the authenticity and confidentiality of the transmission as they pass through any part of the network (servers, etc.).
+We only recommend instant messenger programs or apps that support end-to-end encryption (E2EE). When E2EE is used, all transmissions (messages, voice, video, etc.) are encrypted before they are sent from your device. E2EE protects both the authenticity and confidentiality of the transmission as they pass through any part of the network (servers, etc.).
-All the client programs/apps we chose are free and open-source software unless otherwise mentioned. This to ensure that the code can be independently verified by experts now and in the future.
+All the client programs/apps we chose are free and open-source software unless otherwise mentioned. This to ensure that the code can be independently verified by experts now and in the future.
-We have described the three main types of messaging programs that exist: Centralized, Federated and Peer-to-Peer (P2P), with the advantages and disadvantages of each.
+We have described the three main types of messaging programs that exist: Centralized, Federated and Peer-to-Peer (P2P), with the advantages and disadvantages of each.
-Centralized messengers are those where every participant is on the same server or network of servers controlled by the same organization.
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+ Centralized messengers are those where every participant is on the same server or network of servers controlled by the same organization.
+Federated messengers use multiple, independent servers that are able to talk to each other (email is one example of a federated service). Federation allows system administrators to control their own server and still be a part of the larger communications network.
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+ Federated messengers use multiple, independent servers that are able to talk to each other (email is one example of a federated service). Federation allows system administrators to control their own server and still be a part of the larger communications network.
+Peer-to-Peer instant messengers connect directly to each other without requiring third-party servers. Clients (peers) usually find each other through the use of a distributed computing network. Examples of this include DHT (distributed hash table) (used with technologies like torrents and IPFS, for example). Another approach is proximity based networks, where a connection is established over WiFi or Bluetooth (for example, Briar or the Scuttlebutt social networking protocol). Once a peer has found a route to its contact via any of these methods, a direct connection between them is made.
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+ Distributed network messengers connect through a network of nodes that relay messages to the recipient without a third-party server. Connection can then be established directly as with peer-to-peer networks, or indirectly through a rendez-vu node as in onion routing networks.
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Peer-to-Peer instant messengers connect directly to each other without requiring third-party servers. Clients (peers) usually find each other through the use of a distributed computing network. Examples of this include DHT (distributed hash table) (used with technologies like torrents and IPFS, for example). Another approach is proximity based networks, where a connection is established over WiFi or Bluetooth (for example, Briar or the Scuttlebutt social networking protocol). Once a peer has found a route to its contact via any of these methods, a direct connection between them is made.
+ +Non peer-to-peer distributed networks route encrypted messages through a network of user operated nodes. The sender and recipient never interact directly, and hence there is no leak of IP addresses. With onion routing (e.g., Tor), nodes cannot decrypt messages, only the recipient can. Another example is distributed ledger technology (e.g., blockchains), although there is no guarantee of anonymity.
+ +Softwares can combine multiple approaches, such as Briar using peer-to-peer for local network and Tor for remote connections over the internet, whereas Session always uses onion routing over a blockchain to incentivize nodes.
+Nodal networks route encrypted messages through a network of user operated nodes. The nodes cannot decrypt messages, only the recipient can decrypt. Examples of this include Onion routing (used with technologies like Tor) and Blockchains. A direct connection is never made, ensuring that the recipient cannot access the sender's metadata (eg, IP address). If the network uses onion routing, then the nodes can't either.
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