Briar

Briar is a free, open-source mobile application designed for instant messaging directly, without sending data through a central server.

Free decentralized messenger

Briar will be useful for those who need a simple way to communicate, with maximum privacy and protection from interception. It does not use data transfer via a central server: in other words, messages are synchronized between users' devices directly. You don't even need Internet access: just use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to synchronize messages directly. And if your conversation partner is out of line of sight, the latest version of Briar allows you to use the Tor network to transfer data over the Internet.

Importantly, the program doesn't tie you to a phone number or other data that could reveal the user's identity. You simply set a username and password, which you will then need for authorization. You can add contacts in two ways:

1. From a distance. If the desired contact is far away, you need to exchange links to each other. You can get them in the app by clicking the button with the "+" icon and then "Add a contact from a distance".
2. Nearby. Choose the item "Add contact nearby" in the above mentioned menu and scan the QR code from the screen of the device of the desired interlocutor. The second user needs to do the same.

Besides personal chats, in the latest version of the program it is realized communication in groups and also the possibility to communicate in forums and subscribe to blogs. But of course, Briar lacks some of the features common in other messengers. For example, it is not allowed to send voice messages and make calls. But this small inconvenience will hardly outweigh the benefits of such a high level of messenger protection.

The main features and capabilities of Briar:

• does not store user data on the server;
• messages are synchronized directly between users' devices;
• you can exchange messages directly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth;
• built-in support for Tor networks;
• no screenshots allowed;
• creation of groups, blogs and forums;
• no link to the personal data of the user;
• adding contacts via a link or QR-code;
• in the presence of the alarm button application, allows you to quickly erase all data with a single tap.

With FreeSoft you can download Briar for Android for free, in Russian.