SimpleX, backed by ex-Twitter CEO, skips email, phone number, and user IDs for better privacy

In an age of increasing digital privacy concerns, SimpleX, a relatively new messaging app, is gaining attention for its unique approach to user data protection. The app recently secured $1.3 million in pre-seed funding led by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and stands out by not requiring users to provide an email address, phone number, or any other form of identification.

SimpleX, founded by Evgeny Poberezkin, aims to “radically improve” user privacy by eliminating the need for traditional user authentication methods. This approach sets it apart from popular messaging apps like Signal and Telegram, which typically require a phone number or email for account creation. This has made it especially a good alternative for those looking to flee Telegram following the recent crackdown on illegal content.

The app uses a decentralized network architecture to prevent tracking of user profiles, contacts, and metadata. SimpleX itself doesn’t know how many people are using its servers. Jack Dorsey, who has been vocal about his interest in privacy-focused technologies, praised SimpleX on X last year, calling it “promising” and potentially superior to Signal, which is widely regarded as the gold standard for secure messaging.

The app’s privacy features have attracted attention from various user groups, including those particularly concerned about digital surveillance. A report from The Guardian suggests that users have mentioned the app’s capability to protect against “guilt by association” scenarios, where communication patterns alone can lead to unwarranted suspicion.

While SimpleX’s approach offers significant privacy benefits, it also presents challenges for content moderation. The company states that it cannot indiscriminately scan all content, viewing such actions as potential human rights violations. However, SimpleX maintains that it can remove publicly promoted group entry points and files from its servers if necessary.

As of now, SimpleX has over 100,000 downloads of its Android app with a 4.4-star rating. The recent funding round is expected to fuel further development and expansion of the platform. That said, what would it take for you to consider switching over to SimpleX if you aren’t ready to jump ship just yet?