Session Blog

A Personal Appeal From Cofounder of Session - Chris McCabe

2026-03-17T23:00:00.000Z

Eight years ago, Session was founded with a mission to restore your privacy and give you control over your speech and life — in essence, digital freedom. However, without your help today, we won’t be able to continue developing Session for much longer. If you’ve ever found value in Session or its mission, please give me a moment of your time and read this appeal.

Rotating keys for Session repos

2026-01-21T23:00:00.000Z

Critical: Session APT repository signing key rotation by Feb 1, 2026. Linux users & node operators must update keys to continue receiving package updates.

Session Pro Beta update: December 2025

2025-12-06T23:00:00.000Z

This has been a landmark month for Session, with the announcement of designs for Session Protocol V2, support from Vitalik Buterin, and continued work towards the release of the Session Pro Beta.

Session Protocol V2: PFS, Post-Quantum and the Future of Private Messaging

2025-11-30T23:00:00.000Z

Announcing Session Protocol V2, which re-implements forward secrecy, utilizes new Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), and delivers improved device management features.

Removing screenshot alerts from Session

2025-11-08T23:00:00.000Z

Screenshot alerts are a popular feature in many apps, notifying users when someone takes a screenshot of shared messages or photos. While intended to enhance privacy, these alerts often create practical issues and introduce new privacy risks. Due to these concerns, Screenshot Notifications are being removed from Session.

Session Pro Beta Development Update: Progress and Community Insights

2025-10-29T23:00:00.000Z

All Session Pro Beta features are complete! Get the latest on development progress, the updated mid-Q4 launch timeline, and what Session Router means for Pro's future.

Session Pro Beta: September Development Update

2025-09-22T22:00:00.000Z

The latest on Session Pro Beta's development progress, including completed features, community survey results, and launch timeline.

What to do if you can’t connect to Session in your region

2025-08-13T22:00:00.000Z

Having trouble sending and receiving messages on Session in your region? Discover practical solutions including VPN usage and network configuration tips to restore your secure messaging access.

Session Pro Beta: Development Update

2025-08-05T22:00:00.000Z

The latest progress towards Session Pro Beta's five core features: higher character, unlimited pins, larger groups, animated display pictures, and Pro badges.

Introducing Session Pro Beta: Supporting the Network, Unlocking New Features

2025-07-07T22:00:00.000Z

As Session continues to grow, the network requires additional support mechanisms to remain sustainable.

Introducing the Session Network Page

2025-06-03T22:00:00.000Z

Announcing a new Session Network page, now available in the Session app, giving you a heads-up view containing key information about the decentralized Session Network.

Migrating from the Oxen Network to Session Network

2025-05-18T22:00:00.000Z

The Session Network is a new decentralised network with the purpose of supporting and amplifying Session. This change makes it easier for newcomers to understand Session's design, makes operating a node in the network simpler than ever, and unlocks new integrations with useful blockchain technologies.

Get Involved: How to Support and Contribute to Session’s Growth

2025-03-26T23:00:00.000Z

You can shape Session’s future by reporting bugs, joining the beta, or supporting the network. Every contribution strengthens the ecosystem, making Session more secure, stable, and user-friendly.

End-to-End Encryption: Why It’s Essential in Modern Communication

2025-03-10T23:00:00.000Z

End-to-end encryption ensures your messages stay truly private. In a world where digital privacy is under constant attack, E2EE isn’t just for activists or high-risk users—it’s for everyone. So, how does it work, and why does it matter?

Groups v2: How to upgrade your group chats on Session

2025-03-09T23:00:00.000Z

Groups v2 is coming to Session, bringing improved stability and reliability for larger group chats. This update lays the groundwork for a more seamless and feature-rich group chat experience.

How to Protect Your Privacy Online: 6 Simple Steps to Take Back Control

2025-02-10T23:00:00.000Z

Big Tech is tracking your every move online—but you don’t have to accept it. This guide covers six simple steps to reclaim your privacy, from switching to a secure browser to locking down your social media settings. Take control of your data and browse without surveillance.

From Exploitation To Empowerment: How Web3 Apps Put You Back In Control

2025-01-26T23:00:00.000Z

The spaces we inhabit online are worthless without us. Popular social media and messaging apps like Facebook and WhatsApp derive all their value from users—our data, content, and connections—but return very little to the people who make them valuable. Web3 changes everything.

A Response to Recent Claims About Session's Security Architecture

2025-01-15T23:00:00.000Z

This post provides a comprehensive analysis of Session's security design choices and explains why the supposed vulnerabilities recently described by a security researcher are based on misinterpretations of both the code and underlying cryptography.

How Cars Became The Worst Product Category For Privacy

2025-01-11T23:00:00.000Z

Modern cars are loaded with tech—but they’re also collecting your data. Find out how car companies exploit your personal info and what you can do about it.

Three Reasons To Choose A Decentralised Private Messaging App

2024-12-24T23:00:00.000Z

Decentralised messaging apps are changing the game, offering a new way to communicate that prioritizes user sovereignty, reliability, and security.

How To Stay Safe On Session

2024-12-17T23:00:00.000Z

Session is a messaging app designed to protect your privacy, security, and safety. This article will explain some of the key protections included in Session, and the safety choices you can make when using the app.

The Privacy Risks of Digital IDs: What You Need to Know

2024-11-25T23:00:00.000Z

Digital IDs may soon replace physical ones. This could spell disaster if these new systems are not implemented with privacy in mind, and without the decentralisation inherent to the verification of physical IDs.

Session User Survey: What Drives You to Join Online Communities?

2024-10-20T22:00:00.000Z

Discover how online communities are evolving with Session. Participate in a new survey to share your insights and help shape a secure, meaningful space for users to connect.

Celebrating Global Encryption Day

2024-10-19T22:00:00.000Z

We are living in the golden age of encryption. We can never take that for granted.

Introducing the Session Technology Foundation

2024-10-14T22:00:00.000Z

A new Swiss foundation—the Session Technology Foundation—has been created for the ongoing stewardship of Session.

Groups v2: a better way to connect with friends and family on Session

2024-10-08T22:00:00.000Z

Big improvements are coming with Groups v2 in Session! This upgrade will enhance stability and performance in larger group chats, ensuring smoother conversations and setting the stage for future feature enhancements.

The need for decentralised messaging

2024-08-26T22:00:00.000Z

We do not need a new alternative, we need a new paradigm. Decentralised messaging is needed—now.

Connecting one million users

2024-08-17T22:00:00.000Z

Over 1 million people are using Session. 1 million is a moment to celebrate. A lot of people have contributed countless hours to achieving this goal. It’s a lot of users, especially for a decentralised messaging app—perhaps more than any other has ever reached. Things haven’t always come easy, nor have they been simple, but it’s achieved thanks to the persistence of every single contributor and community member.

Sign-up in a flash with Session's new onboarding

2024-08-10T22:00:00.000Z

Signing up with Session has always been fast—and now it’s simpler and smoother than ever. Session’s latest release contains completely overhauled onboarding, including new flows for signing up, restoring your account, and linking a new device.

Let’s localise: Unifying text strings together

2024-08-05T22:00:00.000Z

A major behind-the-scenes upgrade is on it's way for Session, and we want you to be a part of it.

Disappearing Messages v2: a new way to protect your privacy with Session.

2024-03-11T23:00:00.000Z

Our latest release brings with it a major upgrade for disappearing messages, improving existing functionality and adding all new features.

Upgrading from Oxen Network to Session Network

2024-02-05T23:00:00.000Z

The Session Network will be a new decentralised network with the purpose of supporting and amplifying Session.

Little Brother: How Digital Technology Normalises Surveillance For Young People

2024-02-03T23:00:00.000Z

Are the kids alright? Typically, young people are anti-establishment and pro-sticking it to the man. But some worrying new data suggests that todays young people may have been conditioned through technology to support invasive surveillance.

Session Release Roundup #17: The long awaited syncing update

2023-07-18T22:00:00.000Z

After one of the most challenging periods of development in Session history, we present to you: syncing that just works!

Protecting a Free and Secure Internet: World Press Freedom Day

2023-05-02T22:00:00.000Z

Strong encryption saves lives. Journalists rely on encrypted communication tools every day to protect their safety and the safety of their sources. To promote World Press Freedom Day, we have joined our allies in privacy tech to demand the protection of secure communication and the protection of a free press.

Join Session Beta: Unlock your all access pass.

2023-04-18T22:00:00.000Z

A step-by-step guide for enabling Session Beta across any device, and why you should consider opting in today.

Encrypted messaging apps urge for changes to the UK Online Safety Bill

2023-04-17T22:00:00.000Z

An open letter from encrypted messaging apps urging the UK Government to address the risks the Online Safety Bill poses to everyone's privacy and safety.

Session Release Roundup #16: Trio of Changes

2022-10-18T22:00:00.000Z

We’re changing the names of open groups and closed groups to Communities and Groups respectively. And you can now dress Session up in custom themes!

Update: Important Changes to Session

2022-10-04T22:00:00.000Z

Some menus in Session will change in an update over the next few days. These changes are cosmetic. The underlying functionality of Session is not changing.

Upgrading open groups: Bringing back DMs from open groups

2022-09-11T22:00:00.000Z

If you’re operating a Session Open Group Server (SOGS) — there are some changes coming your way!

Target acquired: The increasing threat of targeted cyber-attacks

2022-09-11T22:00:00.000Z

Data gets leaks are giving malicious attackers more chances to perform highly sophisticated, targeted attacks.

Session Release Roundup #15: 👍😈🔥

2022-09-04T22:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Session Release Roundup #15! This Release Roundup includes emoji reacts, the re-introduction of DMing people from open groups, and iOS performance upgrades.

Sim Swapping attacks: How to protect yourself from this common phone scam

2022-09-04T22:00:00.000Z

SIM Swapping: it's a pretty scary form of hacking that even managed to catch the CEO of Twitter off guard. This article tackles the best way to avoid phishing attacks, the risk and reward of 2FA (two-factor-authentication) and tips on protecting your phone number.

Avoiding malicious hackers: How to reduce your personal attack surface

2022-09-01T22:00:00.000Z

Are you doing enough to protect yourself from hacks? There's one sure-fire way to figure that out: attack surface.

Creating multilateral privacy solutions: Is the GDPR actually helping?

2022-08-23T22:00:00.000Z

Every tech company and their intern has tried to argue that they can (and will) 'solve' the privacy problem — but tech alone is not the answer.

Physical privacy defenders: Learning from these awesome low-tech privacy tools

2022-08-18T22:00:00.000Z

While our privacy is often invaded in the digital world, but in the physical world privacy is something that we inherently recognise and respect.

Surveillance tech: How it stalked its way into our lives

2022-08-14T22:00:00.000Z

In a world that strives for digital privacy, surveillance capitalism has ultimately tricked us into inviting spyware and data-mining tech into our daily lives.

Interview with CoverDrop author Dan

2022-08-06T22:00:00.000Z

At PETS, Kee sat down with Dan, one of the authors of the CoverDrop paper which proposes a secure method for initial contact between journalists and sources or whistleblowers.

Interview with researcher Mariano Di Martino

2022-08-02T22:00:00.000Z

Kee sat down with Mariano at the Privacy Enhancing Technology Symposium to discuss his paper on the security practices of companies which hold personal data covered by the GDPR.

Interview with Moby author Amogh Pradeep

2022-07-31T22:00:00.000Z

Kee sat down with Amogh Pradeep at the Privacy Enhancing Technology Symposium to have a chat about Moby

Once upon a time, in an encrypted messaging app...

2022-07-06T22:00:00.000Z

Settle in for a real life Session love story. We asked you to share how you use Session to chat with your special someone — and this was our favourite story.

How to find true love on Session

2022-06-29T22:00:00.000Z

Privacy matters to all relationships — especially when we communicate digitally. How you and your partner message, sext or chat is just be between you.

Anonymity and online dating

2022-06-26T22:00:00.000Z

Anonymity and dating might not seem like a match made in heaven — you're probably gonna want to know who you're dating, after all. But it all comes down to safety.

Familiar faces: Has facial recognition tech gone too far?

2022-06-13T22:00:00.000Z

As essential services continue to adopt facial recognition tech, concerns are being raised over whether it will enable surveillance.

Session Account ID vs phone numbers

2022-06-07T22:00:00.000Z

Account IDs are instant, secure, portable, and anonymous — making them the perfect alternative to phone numbers for a private messaging app.

Human rights in the digital age: Why you should join us at RightsCon

2022-05-31T22:00:00.000Z

Ever attended RightsCon before? It's free to register; register now and engage with some of the brightest minds in digital rights.

The cost of Musk's war on spam

2022-05-25T22:00:00.000Z

Will Musk's plans to rid twitter of spam ultimately lead to the death of the platform's pseudonymous identities?

Behind the scenes: Session network and client update

2022-05-18T22:00:00.000Z

It is important for all users to update to the newest Session client to make sure that you are ready for the upcoming network upgrades.

Holistic privacy: How to remove the target on encryption's back

2022-05-12T22:00:00.000Z

Encryption! It's the best tool we have to protect people's security and privacy. But the focus on encryption also makes it a big target for regulators.

What happens if Twitter gets encrypted DMs?

2022-05-05T22:00:00.000Z

Ah, encryption. The lifeblood of cybersecurity. Elon Musk recently suggested adding encryption to Twitter DMs. But would that really make Twitter DMs private?

Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy: Calls beta release

2022-04-24T22:00:00.000Z

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!

Does Musk buying Twitter open conversation for decentralised social media?

2022-04-20T22:00:00.000Z

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.

Just the two of us: Why you should care about private calls

2022-04-13T22:00:00.000Z

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?

Everything you need to know about Session’s decentralised network

2022-04-03T22:00:00.000Z

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.

Session Release Roundup #14: Who gave you this Session ID?

2022-03-29T22:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Session Release Roundup #14! This Release Roundup includes message requests, global search, and some bangin' performance improvements.

Decentralised activism: Building tech infrastructure for action

2022-03-28T22:00:00.000Z

Power to the people. Power to the people. Power to the people. Here's how decentralised technology can help empower activists around the world.

Intentional communities in digital spaces: What side of TikTok are you on?

2022-03-21T23:00:00.000Z

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'?

Message requests release: Knock, knock. Who’s there?

2022-02-21T23:00:00.000Z

Introducing: Message requests. From now on, messages you receive from unknown users or contacts will now be filtered into a message requests folder.

User interviews: Help make Session the best it can be

2022-02-20T23:00:00.000Z

The Session ethos is to treat users like people, not a stack of data to be used and abused — Session wants to open conversations with real Session users.

Global search release: Finding a needle in a message-stack

2022-02-06T23:00:00.000Z

Global search is Session's newest feature! Search functionality is a big addition — especially if you have thousands of messages to sift through.

I need a new identity: Social media and the identity ecosystem

2022-02-02T23:00:00.000Z

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.

How to strip metadata from your files

2022-01-06T23:00:00.000Z

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.

Disposing of Big Tech: Building better algorithms (Part Two)

2022-01-04T23:00:00.000Z

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.

2021 retrospective: Messaging, calling, and communicating

2021-12-28T23:00:00.000Z

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.

Disposing of Big Tech: Free speech is not disposable (Part One)

2021-12-21T23:00:00.000Z

How do we stifle the spread of hate and misinformation on social media? Is the answer content moderation? Or are algorithms to blame?

Calls on Session: How to opt-in

2021-12-19T23:00:00.000Z

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).

No caller ID: Calls on Session

2021-12-06T23:00:00.000Z

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.

Livin’ on the land of Big Tech: The gentrification of the internet

2021-11-28T23:00:00.000Z

Do you believe in technology? In the world wide web of mega-corporations, rent goes up while innovation goes down.

The Matrix vs. The Metaverse

2021-11-08T23:00:00.000Z

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?

The anonymity argument: Debunking the real name fallacy

2021-11-02T23:00:00.000Z

The internet gave us mass-scale pseudonymous connection and communication. But is this way of interacting was really healthy, productive or…human?

Flip the switch: Global Encryption Day 2021

2021-10-20T22:00:00.000Z

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.

Session stories: Why do you use Session?

2021-10-05T22:00:00.000Z

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 UX

2021-09-15T22:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Session Release Roundup #13! This Release Roundup includes closed group improvements, a new look Android conversation screen, ONS resolution and more!

Why are phone numbers a privacy problem?

2021-09-13T22:00:00.000Z

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.

Deleting messages and time-to-live: This message will self-destruct in…

2021-09-05T22:00:00.000Z

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.

Contact discovery: Finding friends without foes

2021-08-08T22:00:00.000Z

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

2021-07-25T22:00:00.000Z

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 encryption

2021-06-22T22:00:00.000Z

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 tech

2021-06-10T22:00:00.000Z

Companies are using the push for privacy to market their tech whether it’s private or not.

Session on scale: Open group extravaganza

2021-05-20T22:00:00.000Z

Introducing the superpowered open groups 2.0 — a complete overhaul of the way open groups work.

Session Release Roundup #12: Open Groups Overhaul

2021-05-13T22:00:00.000Z

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 ends

2021-05-06T22:00:00.000Z

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 Quarkslab

2021-04-28T22:00:00.000Z

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 messaging

2021-04-25T22:00:00.000Z

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?

2021-04-19T22:00:00.000Z

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 messenger

2021-04-07T22:00:00.000Z

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 messengers

2021-04-06T22:00:00.000Z

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 defenders

2021-03-18T23:00:00.000Z

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-Device

2021-03-04T23:00:00.000Z

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 it

2021-02-15T23:00:00.000Z

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 anonymity

2021-02-09T23:00:00.000Z

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 edition

2021-01-27T23:00:00.000Z

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 easily

2020-12-27T23:00:00.000Z

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 why

2020-12-15T23:00:00.000Z

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 details

2020-12-14T23:00:00.000Z

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 decentralized private messaging

2020-12-13T23:00:00.000Z

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

2020-12-03T23:00:00.000Z

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 meeting

2020-10-07T22:00:00.000Z

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

2020-09-03T22:00:00.000Z

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!

2020-08-02T22:00:00.000Z

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 support

2020-08-02T22:00:00.000Z

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!

2020-07-16T22:00:00.000Z

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 mobile

2020-06-25T22:00:00.000Z

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 here

2020-06-18T22:00:00.000Z

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?

2020-06-14T22:00:00.000Z

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?

2020-06-10T22:00:00.000Z

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 love

2020-06-04T22:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Session Release Roundup #4! Highlights include 3-hop onion requests on all platforms for improved anonymity, and Session en español for Android!

Session Release Roundup #3: Filling the Android void

2020-05-26T22:00:00.000Z

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!

2020-05-10T22:00:00.000Z

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!

2020-04-22T22:00:00.000Z

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 macOS

2020-04-08T22:00:00.000Z

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 swarm

2020-03-23T23:00:00.000Z

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 tech

2020-02-25T23:00:00.000Z

Session bucks the trend of blockchain vaporware with a real, usable product built on blockchain. Learn how blockchain and crypto power Session’s backend.

What is metadata? Four syllables — zero privacy

2020-02-09T23:00:00.000Z

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 solution

2020-01-29T23:00:00.000Z

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 online

2020-01-22T23:00:00.000Z

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 system

2020-01-15T23:00:00.000Z

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 online

2020-01-09T23:00:00.000Z

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 safe

2020-01-06T23:00:00.000Z

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

2020-01-01T23:00:00.000Z

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?

2019-12-30T23:00:00.000Z

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 link

2019-12-25T23:00:00.000Z

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.

Centralization vs decentralization in private messaging

2019-12-22T23:00:00.000Z

Many private messaging apps have a critical flaw: centralization. Learn why decentralization is the future of secure private messaging.

What can someone do with your phone number?

2019-12-16T23:00:00.000Z

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?

2019-12-14T23:00:00.000Z

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.