Now that users want a privacy-friendly messaging app, there are numerous choices on the Google Play Store and the App Store.
Session is one of the most interesting options available. The app is a fork of Signal, but it improves and adds modifications to provide a private messaging experience.
But is it any good? Can you trust it? Why should you try it as your private messaging app to replace your current solutions?
Can You Trust Session for Messaging?
Session is available through the official app marketplace for both Android and iOS. It is also available for Windows, Linux, and macOS desktop platforms.
While it is not as popular as Signal and other messengers, Session is open-source, and you can find the source code in its GitHub repo. In addition to it, the app regularly undergoes security audits.
Session has been actively developed for a while and receives regular updates.
So, just like any other open-source app, you should be able to trust the app. Session's usability is a different story, but it does not seem like a malicious app.
In either case, you should explore more about the app's history and its developers if you do not trust them yet.
Here's Why You Should Try Session as a Private Messaging App
Session is an impressive messaging app that focuses on privacy and security. To some extent, it provides better privacy when compared to Signal, and it also has a few things that stand out from the competition.
Here, we mention some of the reasons why you should try Session.
1. Does Not Require a Phone Number
Your phone number is one of the most critical pieces of information. It is associated with your conversations, and you will have to share it with other users if you want to communicate.
It does not take long for an attacker to use the phone number to lure you into scams or download malware. Session does not require you to register using your phone number.
So, you do not have to share your mobile number with other users, and your conversations are no longer associated with the number.
Instead, Session generates a random number (Session ID) when you sign up. You will have to copy it or note it down.
You will need a recovery phrase to retrieve your account or migrate the conversations to a new device. Unlike a phone number, you should be able to freely share the Session ID publicly without hesitation, when required.
2. Free to Use
As an exciting offering, Session is entirely free to use without any hidden charges.
You can choose to donate to help the developers financially, but that is totally optional.
3. Open Source in Nature
As mentioned above, Session is just like Signal, where you can find its source code and audit it when required.
Being an open-source solution, you get to use an app that is transparent with its users and potentially safer than proprietary alternatives.
It also means that Session cannot cease to exist. Anyone can fork the project and build their version of Session if required. You can decide to experiment on it as well.
4. Decentralized Network
Unlike most other private messengers, Session does not rely on a centralized server. Hence, a single point of failure will not affect its network.
Similar to Tor, Session relies on a decentralized network, and because of this very reason, it can work well against censorship. It is tough to shut down its network, compared to a service that relies on a centralized server like WhatsApp and Signal.
Note that Decentralized networks can prove to be slower, but it is effective against outage and censorship.
5. IP Address Protection
Considering Session utilizes a decentralized network, your connection is routed through multiple points. So, your original IP address remains hidden.
The connection is similar to the Tor network, where you remain connected to the network through multiple locations, which also hides your original area. Overall, it enhances your digital privacy with such techniques.
6. No Metadata
One of the key highlights of Session is eliminating any metadata associated with the messages you send.
Metadata can be anything like the location/timestamp or any data about the device associated with the message. You do not see it, but it's there. The metadata can reveal a lot of information without you realizing it. And, Session claims to eliminate any metadata associated with the messages.
So, you get a private messaging experience without having to worry about it. It can also come in handy for whistleblowers or news reporters talking to their sources.
7. Good Privacy Policy
It is crucial for a service to offer a user-friendly and straightforward privacy policy. Fortunately, Session explains the technology well through its privacy policy without mentioning any false claims.
Session is transparent about your IP address being viewable when you connect to its network, but the app does not record or store this data. It also advises you to use a VPN to shield your IP address if you want to remain anonymous.
8. Cross-Platform Support
Session is truly a cross-platform private messaging app, and it is available for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
You can also find the APK package on its official website and GitHub repository. It can come in handy if you do not prefer the official app stores.
Try Alternative Private Messengers Instead of Mainstream Options
Most of us stick to popular messaging platforms for the sake of security and safety. But, as the above points suggest, privacy-focused messengers are potentially better and more advanced than WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, and others.
Of course, more security-oriented features do not guarantee a good user experience. However, you should know the reasons to try the alternatives like Session, and if you end up liking it, you will equip yourself with unique tools that you never heard of.
That said, there's so much to love about Session. If you are a privacy enthusiast, you might find it better than Signal, but it all comes to your user experience and preferences. Nevertheless, it is a must-try messaging app!
