Threema
What it's for
A full-featured Swiss messenger (messages, calls, groups) where you are identified by a random Threema ID, with no phone number or e-mail.
Why it matters
End-to-end encryption, open-source (AGPL) and audited apps, a company under Swiss law. Paid once, it does not live off your data.
For whom & when
Anyone who wants an alternative to Signal without handing over a phone number, and is fine paying for the app.
Install & use
Buy and install Threema from threema.com, the App Store or Google Play (a licence also exists for the F-Droid build).
- Write down your Threema ID and create a password-protected backup.
- Add contacts by scanning their QR code: they get the highest verification level.