Top Blockchain Messaging Apps: Crypto Messengers

• Dust
• Cryptviser
• Echo
• e-Chat
• Telegram
• Status
• Blockchain Messaging Apps to Watch in the Future
• Kakao
• Vibeo
• Blockchain Messengers: True Privacy on the Horizon

Blockchain technology provides the world with a more secure and efficient means of doing business. The need for privacy, data security, and easy to implement systems has long been the focus of corporations seeking to keep their companies internal workings private. The private sector shares these concerns with the corporate world.

This demand for private instant communication fueled the rise of popular encrypted messaging apps such as Telegram and Whatsapp. Now it appears that blockchain technology is set to revolutionize the way we communicate once more. Blockchain messaging apps are on the rise. Multiple platforms have entered the market this year, with more scheduled for release in the coming months. Let’s take a look at some of the most promising blockchain messaging platforms today.

Dust

The Dust messaging platform was one of the first blockchain-based messaging apps to enter the market. The Los Angeles-based encryption app launched on March 1, 2014. The app received substantial media coverage because Mark Cuban was one of the main backers of the platform.

Dust offers users a couple of unique features. Messages automatically are erased, or dusted, from both the sender and receiver’s phones after 24 hours. Also, you can choose to have their messages deleted upon reading confirmation.

Cryptviser

Cryptviser is a decentralized platform that eliminates the concern of man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. Most messengers store your data in a centralized database. These systems are easily censored, blocked, or controlled by those with access to the information. Cryptvisor eliminates these risks by completely removing centralized servers and user information from the equation.

In an interview with App Developer Magazine, the company’s CCO, Mark Babbitt, explained that his company’s focus is on providing everyday users with the same level of security afforded by corporations and governments around the world. He went on to explain how the Internet-of-Things (IoT) will only increase the need for personal privacy.

Echo

The Echo messenger utilizes the Graphene Blockchain to provide you with a private and secure messaging experience.It’s capable of sending multimedia messages with the benefit of live encryption of all audio and video streams. The platform is decentralized and enables users to send crypto payments directly from within the app as well.

In a recent interview, the company’s CEO, Christoph Hering, explained that Echo utilizes a specially designed protocol known as Interplanetary File System (IPFS) to facilitate quicker messaging. IPFS utilizes a content addressed system rather than the standard HTTP protocol. Traditionally, blockchain-based messaging apps require the receiver and sender to access the blockchain directly, which can be resource-intensive. Echo eliminates this need through the use of their IPFS client.

e-Chat

The e-Chat messenger app offers IPFS technology coupled with a peer-to-peer messaging service. Unlike other traditional messaging platforms, there is no central storage point for your data. This decentralization eliminates the concerns of MITM attacks. The platform also allows users to tip people for their content. The feature is called Cryptolike, and it is part of the platform’s content creator section, in which users can create subscription channels.

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The e-chat platform includes a built-in payment system for contactless NFC and QR payments too. With this, you can transfer money or cryptocurrencies in private messages. The platform also consists of built-in crypto conversion software that allows you to exchange crypto directly from their phone’s wallet. You have a variety of different ways to access your information including a fingerprint scanner, face recognition, and private keys for accessing your wallet.

Telegram

The hugely popular messaging app Telegram successfully raised over $1.7 billion this year via their Initial Coin Offering (ICO). Telegram has long offered encrypted messaging services, but now the company is to move full steam into crypto-friendly integrations. The first of these integrations was initiated this month under their new identification verification app, Passport.

Passport allows Telegram you to store your personal and most sensitive documents on Telegram’s encrypted blockchain network. The company utilizes end-to-end encryption, and company officials claim they have no access to your data.

Status

Status utilizes Ethereum’s well-developed blockchain to ensure their clients’ information remains protected from prying eyes. The platform offers end-to-end encryption for all messages. Additionally, you can browse through an extensive selection of decentralized apps (Dapps) via the platform’s built-in browser.

Status users are privy to many unique features including a decentralized job market, exchange, prediction system, and digital ID service. The platform also allows artists to promote and share their content securely via the Ethereum blockchain.

Blockchain Messaging Apps to Watch in the Future

The blockchain messaging app race continues to heat up with more platforms being announced weekly. Multiple platforms are slated for release this year. Below are a couple of blockchain messaging apps still in development but worthy of mention.

Kakao

The hugely popular South Korean messaging app Kakao talk made headlines when they announced their plans to create a blockchain-based subsidiary called Ground X. Kakao talk is South Korea’s largest messaging app with 94 percent of the market share currently. Despite their control over the South Korean market, Ground X developers choose Japan as their home base because Japan’s crypto laws are more defined than the ones in South Korea. Developers released no further information regarding the integration, but analysts are carefully watching these developments.

Vibeo

The Vibeo platform promises to give users a more robust messaging service than the competition. The platform includes some unique features such as three-way video calling. You can also share your screen and location via the Dapp. Location sharing via encrypted apps is a critical feature that consumers use. Another unique feature the platform provides is the ability to attach notes to chats.  

Blockchain Messengers: True Privacy on the Horizon

Blockchain technology continues to alter the future of the messaging industry. You now have multiple options when considering a blockchain-based privacy app. As large-scale hacks continue to make headlines globally, you should expect the encryption sector to continue to see growth in the coming years.