Ask HN: Keybase Alternatives?

Article summary

The author is looking for alternatives to Keybase, a platform that offers chat, file storage, and encryption features, due to its acquisition by Zoom. The author is seeking free and open-source software (FOSS) or non-profit alternatives that can provide similar features. Keybase's acquisition has raised concerns about the potential impact on its security and privacy features. The author is seeking recommendations for alternatives that can replace Keybase's functionality.

Main themes

• Keybase alternatives
• Zoom acquisition
• Security and privacy concerns
• FOSS and non-profit options
• Geopolitical implications
• China-US relations

What commenters say

• Some commenters suggest that Keybase's acquisition by Zoom may not necessarily lead to a decline in its security and privacy features, and that the company may continue to operate independently.
• Others express concern that Zoom's development team in China could be subject to government pressure to compromise Keybase's security features.
• There are differing opinions on whether the distinction between the Chinese government and the Chinese people is relevant to the discussion of Keybase's acquisition.
• Some commenters argue that the risk of security compromise is not unique to Chinese companies and that US companies can also be subject to government pressure.
• The acquisition of Keybase by Zoom has raised concerns about the potential for backdoors or security compromises in the platform.
• Some commenters suggest that Keys.pub is a potential alternative to Keybase for signing and validation features.
• The discussion highlights the importance of considering the geopolitical implications of software development and the potential risks associated with different jurisdictions.