Blockchain Technology with Instant Messaging
With the onslaught of new technologies such as Blockchain, social networks and messengers are being reshaped. Developing and designing Blockchain-based messengers will have a significant impact on the future of large platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. However, the question is what are the disadvantages of domestic instant messengers; or, in other words, what are the new characteristics of messaging services produced using Blockchain that make them preferable to their predecessors?
With the onslaught of new technologies such as Blockchain, social networks and messengers are being reshaped. Developing and designing Blockchain-based messengers will have a significant impact on the future of large platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. However, the question is what are the disadvantages of domestic instant messengers; or, in other words, what are the new characteristics of messaging services produced using Blockchain that make them preferable to their predecessors? Is it possible for Blockchain to provide additional services and facilities by establishing a more appropriate and comprehensive infrastructure? You should become more familiar with the following capabilities and characteristics of Blockchain messengers in order to gain a better grasp of them:
What are the Current Messengers’ Limitations?
The majority of today’s messengers are difficult to control in large areas. Managing groups with a high number of members, for example, might be challenging. Aside from the fact that certain existing messengers are not meant for large groups of people, one of these applications’ flaws is the inability of some to provide features such as group video calls. Even if little and insignificant features such as the __cpLocation and geographical locale are not mentioned, the issue of security is one of the most important considerations in message exchange. How much do traditional messengers emphasise data encryption? When a message is sent to its intended recipient, it is stored in the user’s electronic device and registered there. This message will be sent to the other server and device, and if it is a sensitive and secure message, it will be put at risk to a large extent; that is, once a message is sent, the sender’s control and management of it is no longer in his or her hands, and he or she cannot be certain that it will not be intercepted and accessed.
Following the events involving users’ personal information in the Facebook social network, which threatened the security of many users, the necessity for social network security has grown even more than before. The topic of information security is regarded critical and important in a society where technology and information have become a ubiquitous aspect of people’s lives. These issues appear to be considerably reduced in new instant messengers.
The number of internet users is expanding day by day, or even second by second, thanks to the rapid expansion of smart tools such as cell phones. As a result, the amount of information created in the globe will significantly increase. These data will need to be investigated and processed. To sort out this massive amount of data, you should use a large network like Blockchain, which is not centralised, not based in a single country, and can be managed by user self-regulation. According to estimates, the volume of information transmitted via virtual networks in the near future will be far greater than what we see today.
What Is the Difference Between Blockchain and Conventional Messengers?
Before we go into the specifics of Blockchain-based messengers, it’s a good idea to go over some of Blockchain’s unique qualities. Why is Blockchain thought to be a safe way to send and receive messages? A database is what blockchain is. The following are some of its key characteristics:
Learn the fundamental terms used in blockchain technology. From zk-SNARK to Address and everything in between, here’s the complete list of terms that beginners should to be aware of.
Decentralization
Blockchain is a network that is self-managed by its users; that is, it is not directed by a central authority. As a result, there is no way for senior authorities, such as governments, to manipulate information. The network that does not contain filtering, blocking, or information theft has no value for inquiry and application.
Immutability of information
The information in the Blockchain system cannot be modified. This functionality demonstrates that Blockchain has the potential to become one of the greatest infrastructures for developing chat apps. In this system, information immutability prevents privacy violations and different scams.
Resistance to Deportation and Censorship
Governmental and state surveillance have no place on Blockchain because it is an autonomous network. As a result, no foundation or institution can stop it. It implies that we are dealing with an unrestricted flow of knowledge devoid of censorship and pressure.
End-to-end encryption is used by messengers that follow the Blockchain protocol. A third party cannot observe transferred data between users using this kind of encryption, and the messages can only be managed by the sender and the receiver. As a result, no one can see the messages that two people have exchanged. Authentication in modern messengers is done via Blockchain, making it impossible to steal personal information during the authentication stage. Furthermore, the decentralisation of the Blockchain technology prevents any state or foundation from interfering with users’ activities. In actuality, there is no way to block, limit, control, or deactivate a user’s account.
Use as Payment Gateways at the Same Time
The ability to transfer dollars from a digital account to your contact lists is one of the most appealing features of using Blockchain technology to send a message. This innovative feature will be a huge step forward in moving modest or substantial assets, as well as increasing payment security by making financial transfers easier.
What Are Blockchain Messengers’ Security Mechanisms?
Every user in these messengers has a public address and a private key. Consider the case of two people named A and B who want to communicate via Blockchain messengers. They only require their public address in order to converse. They can use public addresses to establish a secure communication channel. If someone wishes to enter into this reciprocal relationship, they must know one of these two people’s secret keys. The only method to enter a two-handed communication is to know A and B’s secret keys.
To begin reciprocal communication, A and B must first recognise each other’s public addresses, as previously stated. The crucial point is: how do these two people obtain access to the public address or ID in the first place?
A centralised network and system administers the users’ messaging to each other in traditional messengers. That is, if A and B are supposed to find each other’s public address, he or she should contact a third party and obtain the necessary information from them. There will be a chance of communicating in this instance.
Is such a mode of communication, however, secure enough in your opinion? To make this security topic easier to understand, let’s call that third party C, which is centralised network administration in traditional messengers (e.g., Facebook, Twitter). Each communication between two users, such as A and B, is supposed to start with a call to C, which then sends the public address of one to the other.
There is no difficulty up to this point because C does not own the private keys of the people specified, despite knowing their IDs or public addresses. As a result, there is no way to listen in on their talk, eavesdrop on them, or abuse them. However, instead of A’s public address, C is assumed to give B’s public address or vice versa. In this situation, he or she can acquire access to the data that is thought to have been shared between the two. This is where Blockchain enters the picture. The security coefficient of blockchain’s infrastructure can be greatly increased due to its unique structure. But why is that?
How Can Blockchain Assist in the Security of New Messengers?
If you recall the previous example, the presence of a third party in a messenger conversation makes it more likely that the security of messages and chats will be compromised. This difficulty, however, will be remedied with Blockchain. How? Each user, or computer connected to the Blockchain network, is referred to as a “node” in the Blockchain network. All existing Blockchain nodes hold all of the network’s users’ public addresses or public IDs. These nodes are connected, and any changes to the existing Blockchain data, including public IDs, will be broadcast to all users. As a result, no intermediary, such as C, can change the addresses and IDs, as previously stated. As a result, when A and B want to communicate, they can easily find each other’s ID or address and form a two-handed private relationship using private keys that are unique to them. No one but these two will be able to listen in on this conversation, and exchanging messages will be fully private for them. No one can read the communications of others in the Blockchain network, which ensures excellent network security.
Blockchain messengers are appealing tools that are not controlled by governments, engineers, computer specialists, or anybody else; in other words, you are dealing with a completely autonomous network that is open source and administered by users. Due to the lack of a central system in user interactions, message exchanges, and financial transactions, communication barriers in the world of Blockchain messengers are being removed. These types of services are really enticing and excellent.
How Do Blockchain-based Messengers Store and Protect Message Security?
Sending messages and emails is one of the most difficult tasks, and ensuring its security with traditional technology solutions is nearly impossible. There is a high probability that the users’ messages and private information will be disclosed in centralised systems with companies, people, and generally a third party intervening in the relationship between two; however, with Blockchain, you can take the initiative and address making communication and interacting with the users without the need for a middleman who observes messages. By removing the third party from the communications, the users’ privacy can be protected.
There have been many different types of Blockchain messengers developed. The user has complete control over these messengers, which are available on Android devices, PCs, and iOS phones. What does this imply? It means that using Blockchain-based messengers, the user is solely responsible for the communications he or she sends. This user can choose whether or not the communication he or she sent should be erased from the other person’s system. In addition, he or she can decide how long his or her communication would be stored on the other’s device. By deleting a message on these Blockchain messengers, you are permanently removing it. These users are the ones who decide how long the message will be kept after it is erased or removed. In truth, the user who sends the communication has authority over whether or not it is deleted. The users are responsible for managing the situation on these messengers.
Overall, the users’ messages will be saved on their smartphone or computer, and each message will be encrypted with a unique code unique to that user. As a result, none of the other devices will be able to read it. As a result, when you get a message on your smartphone, that message is only encrypted for you, and no one else will be able to read it.
Is it possible to send money via blockchain-based messaging apps?
The ability to make payments with Blockchain-based messaging services is another novel and useful function. Cryptocurrency wallets are available in these messaging apps. In fact, the worlds of cryptocurrency and messaging apps are intertwined, and the new generation messaging applications have separated themselves from traditional messaging apps and risen to new heights. These messaging apps not only allow users to exchange text and images, but they also allow them to easily transact money with one another. It should be noted, however, that this money is a digital currency similar to Bitcoin. For example, two people may agree on a dollar amount for a trade and then send that money to one another using the messaging app’s existing system.
It is feasible to construct digital wallets based on the numerous messaging apps that are established and built on the Blockchain technology. For example, it’s feasible that a Blockchain-based messaging software may be developed that takes a variety of stablecoins and cryptocurrencies and allows users to trade and transfer them. In addition to the enormous convenience it provides users, the ability to trade money using messaging applications is excellent in that there is no trace of surveillance from governments, financial institutions, or banks. As a result, transactions and trades between two people from different parts of the globe are conceivable. Many countries are unable to use payment systems such as PayPal due to political sanctions. However, with the ability to make payments using Blockchain applications, this restriction will be lifted.
There will be no more double spending in the Blockchain Messaging App
There is no evidence of double spending in Blockchain-based messaging apps. This word refers to the act of spending money twice. Real and non-virtual currencies, of course, would not be able to do so. This is, nevertheless, conceivable in the world of cryptocurrency. When you spend a cryptocurrency, the transaction is broadcast to the whole Blockchain network. To confirm a transaction, it must be approved by all nodes. As a result, it is impossible to reuse a cryptocurrency in such a network. Because all nodes are aware of the prior transaction, they will never confirm another transaction with the same amount of money and the same information. This feature considerably aids the security of new messaging apps and protects the network infrastructure from financial misuse.
Blockchain Messaging Apps for Other Purposes
Blockchain-based messaging apps aren’t just for sending and receiving messages or conducting financial transactions. Their abilities can be applied to a wide range of situations. Different messaging apps that are built on the Blockchain technology also include features from social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. However, there is a significant distinction between the two. In Blockchain-based messaging apps, creating any type of material might result in collecting rewards from other users who have enjoyed such content. As a result, in addition to social network messaging apps, you will be confronted with Blockchain messaging apps. Networks in which producing content does not necessitate enlisting the help of investors and financial backers. In reality, if you develop useful material, the costs of its creation will be covered by other people in your audience.
What Are the Most Popular Blockchain-based Messaging Apps in Development?
Now that technology has entered practically every part of our life, and we may use its various capabilities like messaging at almost any time of day, the need for data protection is more important than ever. According to what has been described thus far, Blockchain-based messaging networks are far more than traditional chat apps. We’ll go over some of the most well-known Blockchain-based messaging apps in the following sections.
Vibeo
Vibeo is a well-known messaging service that incorporates Blockchain technology into its architecture. This messaging software, in addition to having features like trilateral video calls and the ability to share __cpLocation, also uses the message encryption system, which gives the Ethereum cryptocurrency-backed service a decent level of security.
Dust
Dust is a Blockchain-based messaging app that was one of the first to hit the market. This messaging app contains a few features that aren’t found in other apps. For example, every 24 hours, the communications sent between two people are automatically wiped from their devices.
Line
The Line app is a great alternative to WhatsApp. This messaging app is available in Android, iOS, and desktop versions and supports a variety of message transfer services. One of the most appealing aspects of this application is its ability to be used in areas where WhatsApp is outlawed. This huge Japanese social network launched its own cryptocurrency, LINK, into the crypto market in August 2018.
Talk on Kakao
Kakao is a South Korean Blockchain-based messaging service that was just created. With this programme, you can make a variety of video calls. Using Blockchain technology, this application aims to launch a variety of innovations. We’ll have to wait and see what kind of programming kakao Talk has in store for the modern digital world.
Status
Status is a Blockchain-based messaging app that allows you to connect to the Ethereum network. This program allows users to create smart contracts and conduct Ethereum transactions. The fact that all discussions in this messaging software are encrypted is one of its features.
E-chat
E-chat is another Blockchain-based program that, in conjunction with a variety of messaging platforms, allows users to engage in cryptocurrency trading. The developer can generate money by creating content on this social network. This app is compatible with a wide range of Android and iOS devices
Blockchain is also used by a number of other messaging apps. The market is becoming more diverse. Given the security capabilities and various purposes, such as performing financial transactions, it appears that the new generation of messaging apps will soon become commonplace, and the moment will come to wave goodbye to traditional messaging apps. Large corporations, such as Facebook, are attempting to incorporate Blockchain technology into new initiatives, indicating that Blockchain and its derivatives will take the globe sooner or later. Technology is continually evolving, and even if some modifications and evolutions occur throughout time, you should never fight it. Many of the world’s advanced countries are studying and investigating various aspects of Blockchain technology and its numerous applications. The unique advantages that Blockchain may provide users in various fields are definitely worth considering and cannot be overlooked.
Written by Pooyan Ghamari
Founder of Counos Platform
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