The payment alternative to WhatsApp becomes open source: Threema releases the code of its apps and lowers the price. The most popular paid messaging app takes a step towards increasing its transparency: Part of Threema’s service is now Open Source. The code of iOS and Android applications, notifications, and even communication between apps can be consulted. The code of the servers is not public.
Threema releases the code of its apps and lowers its price
Threema is a messaging application similar to WhatsApp or Telegram that allows sending and receiving messages between cell phones and computers. It has end-to-end encryption, like WhatsApp or Signal; Offers calls and video calls, as most of the apps of its style; And charges for downloading the applications, something unique in its panorama. Threema has always made mention of its security. And now she wants anyone to be able to check it, at least in her apps.
Theema apps on iPhone and Android are now open source
Threema can be considered unique as it is one of the few companies that develop a messaging application and charges users for accessing the service. This has not prevented it from achieving some success as it is very popular on iOS, also on Android. Above all, because of its privacy options and because it guarantees encryption in all its connections.
According to the company in an article on its website, the mobile applications, the web version, the push notification system, the data exchange protocol between applications, and the text composition area are now open source. Anyone can access the code to see how the software works, and it’s also possible to see if Threema really offers the security and privacy that it does. However, the company has not made the code of its servers free, so it is impossible to audit 100% of its service (something similar to what Telegram does with TDLib).
To celebrate the move of applications and certain parts of the service to Open Source, Threema has lowered its applications for both Android and iPhone: It is now available for 1.99 euros. It is a great alternative to WhatsApp or Telegram; With the drawback that everyone must purchase the application, something more complicated than downloading a free app.
