Briar – Decentralized and Secure Communication Without the Internet

Communications
June 3, 2025
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4 minutes read

Briar is a free and open-source Android application fully dedicated to secure and resilient communication that can function even without an internet connection.

Key Features of the Briar App

The Briar app was developed by the Briar Project, an organization made up of independent developers and security experts. The first version was released in 2018. This is an app with a simple user interface and can be used for the following types of communication:

Private messages (encrypted chat between two people)
Groups (encrypted group discussions)
Blogs (which can be private or public)
Forums (decentralized forums without third-party moderation)

Messages are encrypted using end-to-end encryption. The app does not require a phone number or email address to register. Multimedia messages such as photos and videos are not supported for reasons of security and efficiency.

The app does not rely on central servers; instead, message exchange occurs directly between users’ devices using a P2P (peer-to-peer) protocol. Briar can sync over the Tor network. It is an app that works even without internet access. In such cases, Bluetooth and local Wi-Fi networks are used for synchronization. Messages are automatically synced when two users are nearby. Synchronization can even be performed using memory cards.

Adding new contacts when users are in close proximity is done via Bluetooth connection and QR code scanning. If users are far apart, they can exchange links using another app.

All content is stored locally on the user’s device, unless the user explicitly chooses to share it. There is no cloud backup option. Due to its decentralized nature, the app is resistant to censorship and cannot be blocked at the network level.

Usage of the Briar App

Briar runs on all devices with Android 5.0 or higher. The app contains no ads or tracking tools. Due to P2P communication and constant searching for existing contacts, battery consumption is higher. Message synchronization in offline mode is slow. Briar works differently from most well-known messaging apps, so it takes some time to get used to.

On first launch, the app creates a unique identity for the user, generates cryptographic keys, and sets basic security parameters. The process is automated and does not require technical knowledge from the user.

Due to the way new contacts are established, the risk of fraud through fake identities is reduced. However, for the same reason, the app has a smaller user base. Briar is not the best choice for everyday use. It is not a replacement for Viber, Instagram, X, or WhatsApp.

The overall level of security is increased by the fact that this is an open-source app, allowing anyone to review its code. It is fully focused on privacy and secure communication, which makes it especially relevant in today’s world of pervasive digital surveillance.

A desktop version of the app is also in development. It is currently in beta (version 0.6.3), and the installation for the appropriate operating system can be downloaded HERE. It would be beneficial to have an iOS version as well.

This is an app for those who need protected communication. Briar is particularly useful during internet outages, emergencies, or censorship. According to its developers, it is ideal for journalists, political activists, researchers, dissidents, and those located in crisis zones or under repressive regimes.

Platform:
Android (in development for Windows, macOS, and Linux)