RetroShare
Secure communication for everyone
Retroshare is a free, open-source, decentralized peer-to-peer communication network. It solves the problem of relying on centralized servers for online communication, which can be subject to censorship, surveillance, or service changes. Users build a private friend-to-friend (F2F) network by exchanging certificates, creating a mesh of trusted nodes where all connections are encrypted and authenticated.
The software provides several distributed services running on top of this network, including chat with support for text, images, and decentralized chat rooms; encrypted mail that stores messages on friends' nodes for offline delivery; file sharing using swarming technology similar to BitTorrent; forums that sync automatically and work offline; channels for publishing and subscribing to files; and boards for sharing pictures and links with voting and comments. It also offers an experimental VoIP and video call plugin. Retroshare can optionally route traffic through Tor or I2P to hide IP addresses, and it includes a JSON API and plugin system for extensibility. It is available on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Retroshare is designed for individuals and groups who want secure, censorship-resistant communication without depending on any corporate system or central servers. The software is entirely free and open-source, with no hidden costs, ads, or terms of service. To use it, users must recruit friends and exchange certificates to build their own network; there is no free plan or trial in the traditional sense, as the software is not sold or licensed by seats or usage.
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