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Session (software)

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Session
DeveloperThe Session Technology Foundation
Initial releaseFebruary 2020
Stable release
Android 1.28.1 / October 9, 2025 / October 9, 2025
Repository
Operating systemAndroid, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux
TypeInstant messaging
LicenseBSD-3-Clause, MIT, GPL-3.0
Websitehttps://getsession.org/

Session is a cross-platform, end-to-end encrypted instant messaging application developed by the non-profit Session Technology Foundation. It emphasizes user confidentiality and anonymity by utilizing a decentralized network for message transmission. Unlike many messaging platforms, Session does not require a phone number or email address for account creation. Instead, it uses a randomly generated 66-character alphanumeric identifier called a Session ID. Communication between users, including messages, voice clips, photos, and files, is end-to-end encrypted using the Session Protocol. Session employs the Session Network, a decentralized, open-source blockchain network designed to transmit encrypted data specifically for the Session messenger.[1][2]

History / Development

Development of Session began in 2018 under the Australia-based Oxen Privacy Tech Foundation. The project started as a fork of Signal to build on its foundation while addressing concerns about centralized metadata collection. The developers created the "Session Protocol," focusing on increased anonymity and decentralization. The initial release occurred in February 2020.[3]

In 2024, due to privacy legislation in Australia, the Session Technology Foundation was established in Switzerland to take over the development and publication of Session.[4]

Features

  • Anonymity: No phone number or email required; uses a 66-character Session ID.[5]
  • End-to-End Encryption: All communication, including text, voice, photos, and files is encrypted.[6]
  • Decentralized Network: Messages are routed through the Session Network, ensuring metadata minimization and privacy.[7]
  • Cross-Platform: Available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Message Management: Supports text messages, voice clips, photos, files, and group chats.
  • Security Focus: Onion routing is used to prevent any server from knowing the origin or destination of messages.[8]

Usage

Session is used globally by individuals and communities that prioritize privacy, including journalists, activists, and security-conscious users. As of mid-2025, Session has over one million active users across multiple platforms.[9]

Limitations

  • No built-in two-factor authentication support.
  • Forward secrecy and deniable authentication are not fully implemented in all cases.
  • Some users report slower verification and smaller group capacities compared to commercial messaging apps.

Recent Developments

  • October 9, 2025: Latest Android release, version 1.28.1, with crash fixes and performance improvements.[10]
  • 2025: Migration to the Session Network, a decentralized, open-source blockchain network for message transmission.[11]
  • Continuous UI improvements, accessibility enhancements, and bug fixes across all platforms.

Reception

Technology analysts describe Session as a secure and privacy-focused alternative to mainstream messaging apps.[12] While praised for anonymity, decentralization, and metadata protection, early reviewers noted slower performance, smaller user communities, and limitations in certain security features compared to commercial alternatives.[13]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Session Official Website". Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  2. ^ "Session FAQ". Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  3. ^ "Session History". Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  4. ^ "Why Did Session Messaging App Leave Australia? Co-founder Explains". Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  5. ^ "Session Features". Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  6. ^ "Session Protocol". Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  7. ^ "Session Network Overview". Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  8. ^ "Session Security Whitepaper". Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  9. ^ "Session Stats". Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  10. ^ "Session Android 1.28.1 Release". Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  11. ^ "Session Network Update". Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  12. ^ "Privacy-focused messaging apps on the rise". TechRadar. 10 January 2025. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  13. ^ "Session app review: Secure but slower". Android Authority. 5 February 2025. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
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