M

Matrix

Self-host

An open federation protocol for chat, voice, and video, with multiple server and client implementations.

Category
Messaging · Self-host
Cost
Self-host
Country
UK
Licensing
FOSS
+ what works
  • +Open spec with multiple interoperable server and client implementations
  • +End-to-end encryption on by default for DMs and private rooms
  • +Self-hostable on your own homeserver with full control over accounts and data
  • +Bridges to IRC, XMPP, Slack, Discord, and other networks
watch out for
  • Metadata (room membership, timestamps, federation traffic) is not encrypted
  • Synapse is resource-heavy; running a homeserver is a real operational commitment
  • Synapse and related Element-maintained server projects relicensed to AGPLv3 in 2023, with a CLA required for upstream contributions
  • Public matrix.org homeserver is high-traffic and concentrates metadata

Matrix federates between independent homeservers, so the operator of the homeserver you pick (yours, your community's, or the public matrix.org instance) sees account data and routing metadata. Message bodies in DMs and invite-only rooms are end-to-end encrypted by default; metadata such as who talks to whom and when is not encrypted and is stored on participating homeservers. The Matrix.org Foundation is a UK Community Interest Company that stewards the spec, but data jurisdiction follows whichever homeserver you use.

whatsappimessage
#federated · #e2ee · #foss · #protocol · #self-hostable

Did this work for you?


Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first.

Add a comment