
Briar
🇩🇪
Germany
Briar is a peer-to-peer messaging app for Android that works without internet access by syncing over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It's designed for activists, protesters, and anyone who needs resilient communication in hostile environments.
Available on:
AndroidPrivacy Features
No central servers, no SIM card needed. Peer-to-peer E2EE with offline support via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
🌍 Jurisdiction & Privacy Laws
🇩🇪
Germany
Based in Germany
Privacy Law Implications:
Data Protection: Stronger laws mean better protection of your personal data
Government Access: Some countries can force companies to hand over user data
Surveillance Alliances: International agreements may allow data sharing between countries
User Rights: Your legal rights to access, correct, or delete your data
Use Briar:
WhatsApp
Telegram
Facebook Messenger
Similar Privacy Apps

Signal
Signal is the gold standard in private messaging. Endorsed by journalists and privacy advocates, it offers end-to-end encryption by default for messages, voice, and video calls. Signal collects virtually no metadata and is funded by donations—not ads or data harvesting.

Session
Session is a private messaging app that doesn't require a phone number or email. It uses the Oxen blockchain for enhanced privacy and security.

Element
Element is a secure messaging app based on the Matrix protocol. It offers end-to-end encryption and supports group chats, voice calls, and video calls.

SimpleX Chat
SimpleX Chat is a protocol and app that delivers private messaging without user IDs or phone numbers. It uses temporary anonymous identifiers and routing via servers you can run yourself. It's perfect for the most privacy-conscious users.

Threema
Threema is a privacy-respecting messenger that collects no data and operates under Swiss privacy laws. It is a paid app, so it doesn't rely on ads or tracking. No phone number or email required—users are identified by a random ID.