4 Blockchain Based Chat Messenger Apps to Try

Blockchain was the buzzword of 2018. To simplify, the blockchain is a decentralized ledger of transactions recorded using cryptography. The blocks are then distributed across many computers running in a P2P environment, making it impossible to alter the information later.

Blockchain was initially designed for the financial sector of digital cryptocurrency. However, it has now expanded to include the recording of anything valuable, the creation of self-executing smart contracts, and the development of decentralized apps (DApps) such as chat messengers.

But why not use Discord or Telegram? While these apps may be secure and encrypted (Telegram only), they are still centralized and controlled by one entity, leaving room for trust issues. Decentralization is the way forward.

Benefits of Blockchain

Blockchain offers numerous advantages over traditional systems. One key advantage is immutability. After recording information, it becomes extremely difficult to make any changes due to the involvement of a decentralized database of computers and blocks.

Since information blocks are stored and shared across a network of nodes operated by individuals, no single person or entity has absolute control. This mitigates the risk of records being manipulated without detection by others.

Distributed ledger eliminates the risk of a single point of failure by storing data in multiple systems. If one system fails, all data is not lost. The encrypted entries are visible to everyone, ensuring transparency and accountability.

New generation chat apps are integrating cryptocurrency wallets, enabling users to send and receive money with minimal transaction and processing fees.

Several Blockchain-based chat messenger apps prioritize security, privacy, and peer-to-peer currency. Here are four such apps worth checking out.

1. Dust

Dust is a blockchain messaging app developed by Radical App, advised by billionaire investor Mark Cuban. The platform aims to incentivize positive behavior and discourage bullying by introducing Global Messaging Tokens (GMT). Abusers will face higher token costs. Users can reward one another for sharing valuable content. Even Mashable posts news stories on Dust! Can it serve as both a chat messenger and news hub?

Another selling point is a feature similar to Snapchat, where every message you send will be automatically deleted after it has been read or within 24 hours. You can customize this in the settings. The protocol is app agnostic, meaning it allows users with different apps to connect and share without needing to be on the same platform. Imagine being able to send a message via WhatsApp to WeChat! The development team has recently launched the Mercury Protocol, which enables all of these functionalities.

Other features of Dust include deleting messages from the receiver’s phone, notifying users when their messages have been screenshot, and a no-name policy in group chats where the user’s name is not shown. Dust is available for Android and iOS.

2. Status

Similar to Dust, Status is a privacy-focused and blockchain-based chat messenger on the Ethereum platform. In-app messages are end-to-end encrypted (Whisper Protocol). Status opens all links in its built-in browser in privacy mode to ensure complete anonymity.

As an Ethereum project with an ERC-20 token, Status comes with a wallet that allows you to send, receive, and track transactions on the blockchain. Status has made its code open-source to enhance transparency.

Status, currently in beta, aims to provide a comprehensive solution for chatting, browsing, and transacting in real time. They aim to create an ecosystem. You can download and test the app.

3. e-Chat

e-Chat is a messaging app that allows you to send and receive messages and make payments in a P2P environment. It also includes a multi-currency wallet and uses the native token ECHT based on Ethereum. Additional features of e-Chat include voice calls for up to 10 people, HD video calls, and text messages. The app distinguishes itself by offering the ability for bloggers to publish and monetize content in various formats, thus creating an extra source of income.

Finally, e-Chat offers a tab similar to Instagram where you can upload media called Moments, and users can show appreciation by tipping with ECHT tokens. Unlike Dust, e-Chat allows taking screenshots. It prioritizes community over privacy and security, but it’s still in its early days.

4. BeeChat

BeeChat, a South Korea-based blockchain messenger app, aims to create an app ecosystem. With millions of users in a short period, BeeChat allows you to send text, audio, and video messages. It also offers a cryptocurrency wallet supporting 12 currencies.

BeeChat takes things to the next level by being cross-chain compatible, allowing you to use mainnets like EOS and Ethereum to store encrypted data. Users who are familiar with Telegram will appreciate BeeChat’s support for Telegram’s protocol, which enables them to cross-match contacts. Upon signing in to BeeChat, I instantly received a verification code from Telegram.

Similar to Telegram, BeeChat has attracted numerous blockchain companies to create channels where they can share news and updates about their projects and ICOs.

In Code We Trust

There are discussions about other projects working on secure and privacy-focused chat messenger apps in their small ecosystems. Could this be the next level for social media? Increased security and privacy in messaging apps are certainly desirable. But how many more will there be? Only time will tell.

Next: Unsure about sticking with WhatsApp or switching to Telegram? Click the link below to learn more.