If you’re messaging back and forth on a daily basis, chances are you’re using one of the existing private message apps, such as iMessage (on iOS) or WhatsApp (multi-platform). These both offer a form of end-to-end encryption that’s more secure than standard SMS. But is it secure enough?

Existing Message Encryption

End-to-end encryption sounds secure. It’s designed to stop any third party being able to intercept, read messages, or listen to calls made within the apps. However, the encryption of the app and the data being exchanged is in effect already being handled by a third-party, the app developers, who store the data on centralised servers. That makes it susceptible to hacking and other attacks.

The other overriding issue with this model is that to get an account, or to register for the service in any way, you have to give up some of your data. Not just any information, but information that’s a personal identifier, like your phone number or email address. This means that your encrypted activity is always linked to that identifiable information.

While existing encryption involves the exchange of public keys, the difference with current messaging apps is that they hold your private, or session, key on their servers. It’s not something you as the user actually own or control directly.

Encryption Over Blockchain

With blockchain, encryption works differently. Public keys can still be exchanged, embedded in smart contracts or smart URLs. The private key however always remains with the user. That’s stored in your wallet, and will never be surrendered or sent over anyone else’s third-party space.

On top of that, the blockchain is a decentralised ledger. This means the keys and your data are never stored in just one location, thus protecting it from hacks, and meaning it’s never all controlled by one single entity.

Setting up your private key and retaining control of it means your personally identifiable data always stays with you. Your activity is verified by the ledger and its history of transactions; it’s a transparent system. That doesn’t mean you can’t keep your privacy. Your key doesn’t show anyone who you are. It also makes it almost impossible for anyone else to impersonate you, unless you give them access to your key or your wallet.

The Future Of Private Messaging

Companies like Obsidian are launching their own form of end-to-end encrypted messaging, supported by blockchain. Even government agencies like DARPA are looking to develop this further. With this setup, users should be able to securely exchange messages and media, but also potentially coins and tokens, as more people shift towards regularly using cryptocurrencies.

MEDIA Protocol is an ideal system to deliver this type of service going forward. Not only is it run on blockchain, giving all the benefits of transparency, decentralised storage, and security, but it’s also open source. That means developers can build customised and competitive dApps for it, some of which may be for messaging.

It’s also set up to be frictionless. All the elements are in place for a simple and secure exchange of data, with blockchain-backed encryption that means your private key is never handed over to a third-party.

The future of private messaging looks secure.

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