Threema

What is Threema?

Threema is perfect for those times adults need to communicate extremely personal information, such as a social security number (especially at benefits renewal time), as it provides a layer of security against misuse or collection of personal information, including metadata.

Threema is designed to help users generate as little data on servers as possible, when communicating via mobile device. While the Threema app provides a secure, encrypted connection, users should be aware that their data, such as groups and contact lists, are managed on their devices, and never stored on the Threema server.

In addition, messages sent through the app are deleted upon delivery, and local files are encrypted when stored on a device. Featuring end-to-end encryption, Threema users can use the app to send secure messages, voice calls, group chats, media files, in addition to status messages.

Per the developer, Threema’s features include:

• write text and send voice messages

• make voice calls (requires iPhone 5s / iOS 9 or above)

• share videos, pictures and locations

• send any type of file (pdf, animated gif, mp3, doc, zip, etc.)

• create groups

• conduct polls with the unique poll feature

• choose between a dark and a light theme

• quickly and silently reply with the unique agree/disagree feature

• verify the identity of a contact by scanning their personal QR code

• use Threema as anonymous instant messaging tool

• synchronize your contacts (optional)

What sets the Threema app apart from similar apps on the market is the ability to use is on devices without SIM cards, which allows tablet device users to secure their communications.

Users also have the ability to lock the Threema app with a PIN or password, adding an additional layer of security to communications send and received through the app. Lastly, completed chats can be exported into an encrypted zip file, to save for later reference.

Threema users confirm their contacts with either QR code or key fingerprint to ensure their communications are completely secure. Android users enjoy additional security with modular permissions, allowing them to use the Threema app without having to grant camera or microphone access on their devices.