OpenChat — sovereign social networking on ICP
OpenChat is a popular social media and instant messaging service that runs on the Internet Computer network in the mode of an 'open internet service' (OIS). The service runs under the direct and exclusive control of an autonomous digital governance system controlled by the community — a special DAO called an SNS that transparently automates upgrades.
Hosted fully onchain
OpenChat is an 'open internet service' (OIS) that runs on the Internet Computer. OpenChat's community has direct sovereign control via a digital governance system, which means the service is autonomous. Because OpenChat is tamperproof, a security team isn't needed, and uptime is 100%.
Privacy & security for users
User security and privacy benefits because OpenChat is tamperproof, which makes it immune to traditional cyber attacks. Privacy is protected because even if a malicious party gains access to Internet Computer node hardware, they will only find encrypted bytes inside.
Built-in crypto payments
The Internet Computer is powered by advanced cryptography, and has trustless Web3 and multi-chain capabilities. OpenChat takes full advantage, so users can custody assets like BTC and ETH in their accounts, and send them in less than a second via instant chat, at near zero cost.
Internet Identity login
Access to OpenChat is gated by Internet Identity, a Web3 identity system that allows users to securely authenticate using passkeys gated by on-device biometric hardware, or SSO services like Google, Apple, or Microsoft. Internet Identity prevents all user tracking, preserving privacy.
What is OpenChat?
OpenChat represents a new paradigm in digital communication, built from the ground up on the Internet Computer Protocol. Unlike traditional messaging platforms that rely on centralized servers and harvest user data, OpenChat operates entirely on-chain, giving users complete control over their conversations and personal information.
The platform combines the familiar experience of modern messaging apps with the security and decentralization benefits of blockchain technology. Every message, group, and user profile is stored on-chain, creating a transparent and tamper-proof communication network that cannot be shut down or censored by any single entity.
What is OpenChat?
OpenChat leverages the Internet Computer's unique capabilities to deliver a messaging experience that rivals centralized platforms in speed and usability, while providing security guarantees that traditional services cannot match. Messages are encrypted end-to-end, and the decentralized architecture ensures that your data remains accessible only to you and your intended recipients.
Getting started
Getting started with OpenChat is simple. Visit oc.app and sign in using your Internet Identity—a decentralized identity system that eliminates the need for passwords. Once authenticated, you can immediately start messaging, create groups, and explore the platform's features. No downloads, no browser extensions, and no account creation forms required.
Features and capabilities
OpenChat supports both private one-on-one conversations and group chats, with features like message reactions, file sharing, and rich media support. The platform also includes built-in cryptocurrency functionality, allowing you to send and receive tokens directly within conversations, making it easy to split bills, send tips, or conduct peer-to-peer transactions.
Revolutionary messaging technology
OpenChat's on-chain architecture provides several key advantages over traditional messaging platforms. By storing all data on the Internet Computer blockchain, OpenChat ensures that conversations cannot be deleted by platform administrators, messages cannot be intercepted by third parties, and the service cannot be shut down by corporate or government entities.
The platform's integration with Internet Identity provides a seamless, password-free authentication experience. Your identity is cryptographically secured and can be accessed from any device using biometric authentication or security keys. This eliminates the risk of password-based attacks and provides a consistent experience across all your devices.
Built-in crypto payments
OpenChat's built-in cryptocurrency functionality enables peer-to-peer payments directly within conversations. Whether you're splitting a restaurant bill, sending a tip, or conducting business transactions, OpenChat makes it easy to transfer value alongside your messages, all secured by the Internet Computer's tamperproof infrastructure.
Developer-friendly platform
For developers, OpenChat offers an open platform for building messaging experiences. The on-chain architecture means that developers can build integrations, bots, and extensions that interact directly with OpenChat's smart contracts, creating new possibilities for decentralized communication applications.
Community-driven development
OpenChat is continuously evolving, with new features and improvements being added regularly. The platform's decentralized governance model ensures that the community has a voice in its development, making OpenChat a truly community-driven messaging platform.
Get started with OpenChat
Start messaging securely on the Internet Computer. Sign in with Internet Identity and begin chatting in seconds—no downloads or account creation required.
Try decentralized messaging
Experience decentralized messaging with end-to-end encryption, built-in crypto payments, and true user sovereignty over your data.
Sign up for email updates to keep up to date with the Internet Computer.
Sign up for email updates to keep up to date with the Internet Computer.