Briar: Peer to Peer Encrypted Messaging (briarproject.org)

Article summary

Briar is a peer-to-peer encrypted messaging app designed for activists, journalists, and others who need secure communication. It doesn't rely on a central server and can sync messages via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the Tor network. The app is currently only available for Android due to limitations on iOS. Briar aims to provide a safe and robust way to communicate, resistant to surveillance and censorship.

Main themes

• Secure Messaging
• Peer-to-Peer Communication
• iOS vs Android
• Encryption and Surveillance
• Decentralized Networks
• Alternative Messaging Apps

What commenters say

• The lack of an iOS version of Briar is a significant limitation, despite the technical challenges posed by Apple's restrictions on background app activity.
• Briar's focus on Android is a deliberate choice due to the platform's greater flexibility and the target audience's likely use of de-Googled Android versions.
• Reticulum network is an alternative solution that provides integrity and confidentiality on the OSI Layer 2, but its purpose and functionality are not clearly understood by some commentators.
• Some commentators argue that Briar's approach to encryption and security is outdated and that other apps, such as Signal, offer better security features like forward secrecy.
• The comparison between Briar and Reticulum is not straightforward, as they appear to serve different purposes, with Reticulum being a more general-purpose infrastructure for building secure applications.
• The issue of identity and device management in Briar is complex, with some commentators suggesting that the app's use of public certificates and Bluetooth MAC addresses may not be sufficient for secure identity verification.
• The niche status of Briar due to its Android exclusivity may limit its adoption and usability, particularly in regions with high iOS market share.
• Some commentators defend Briar's design choices and security features, arguing that they are innovative and effective, and that the app's focus on control and federation is a key advantage.