Olvid

Olvid is a French secure messaging app with no phone number required and high security.

Open Source Privacy Friendly Ad-Free No Third-Party Trackers European No Registration Free of Charge
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Description

Olvid is a secure messaging app developed by Olvid SAS in France. It is designed with a strong focus on privacy and security, offering end-to-end encryption for all communications—texts, voice calls, and media sharing. Olvid stands out by not requiring any personal information (such as phone numbers or email addresses) for registration, and it does not access users’ contact lists, ensuring a high level of anonymity. The Olvid client apps are fully open-source, allowing for public scrutiny and reproducible builds, which helps build trust in the app’s security claims.

Olvid’s decentralised database model and lack of a central user directory further enhance privacy, as there is no single point of failure or data repository that could be compromised. The app is certified by ANSSI, France’s national cybersecurity agency, and is mandated for use by French government officials, which attests to its robust security features.

However, Olvid’s server infrastructure is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) [FR], which means user data transiting through these servers could be subject to US jurisdiction under the CLOUD Act. Additionally, while the client apps are open-source, the server-side code is not, limiting full transparency. Olvid’s funding model is based on direct sales and premium subscriptions, ensuring independence from advertising or data monetisation.

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Sustainability Features of Olvid

Open Source - Free and Open-Source Software

Olvid client apps are fully open-source, allowing for independent audits and reproducible builds.

Privacy Friendly - It does not track users unnecessarily.

Olvid uses end-to-end encryption by default for all communications, ensuring user privacy.

Ad-Free - Services that do not display advertisements to users, ensuring a cleaner and more private experience.

Olvid is ad-free and does not engage in data mining or targeted advertising.

No Third-Party Trackers - Services that do not use third-party cookies or trackers, ensuring user privacy.

Olvid does not use third-party trackers, ensuring user data is not shared with external parties.

European - Based in Europe, ensuring compliance with GDPR and European privacy and labor regulations.

Olvid is based in France, ensuring compliance with EU privacy laws.

No Registration - No registration required

Olvid does not require a phone number or email address for registration, allowing anonymous use.

Free of Charge - The services provided can be used for free.

Olvid offers free use of its basic features. For individuals it costs 4.99€ per month if they want secure audio/video calls and multi-device support.

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Summary

Olvid is a French-developed, privacy-focused messaging app that emphasises end-to-end encryption, anonymity, and minimal data collection. Unlike many competitors, Olvid does not require a phone number or email address for registration, and it does not access users’ contact lists. The Olvid client apps are open-source, allowing for independent audits. Olvid’s servers are closed-source and use Amazon Web Services, which raises concerns regarding data sovereignty and exposure to non-EU laws. The app is certified by the French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) and is used by French government officials, underscoring its strong security credentials.

Sustainability Score
84

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