TL;DR
Briar is a peer-to-peer messaging app designed for activists, journalists and others who need resilient, private communications. It synchronizes messages directly between devices and can use Bluetooth or local Wi‑Fi when the internet is unavailable, and Tor when online to reduce exposure.
What happened
Briar is a messaging application that avoids centralized servers by synchronizing messages directly between users' devices. According to the Persian user guide, when conventional internet access is unavailable the app can exchange messages via Bluetooth or local Wi‑Fi to maintain information flow during disruptions. If a network connection exists, Briar can use the Tor network to synchronize in a way intended to protect users and their contacts from surveillance. The app targets activists, journalists and anyone needing secure communication, and is distributed for Android through Google Play; the project also documents installation via F‑Droid or direct download for users who prefer alternatives to the Play Store. The guide describes account setup, contact exchange (via shared briar:// links or in‑person QR scans), end‑to‑end encryption for all messages, private group chats, public forums and a local-only account storage model without cloud recovery.
Why it matters
- Maintains communication during network outages by using Bluetooth and local Wi‑Fi, which can be critical in crisis situations.
- Peer-to-peer design and lack of a central server reduce a single point of failure and limit centralized data collection.
- Optional Tor-based synchronization when online provides an additional layer intended to protect against surveillance.
- Local-only account storage increases control over data but also means users bear responsibility for backups and password safety.
Key facts
- Briar is intended for activists, journalists and anyone needing secure, resilient messaging.
- The app does not rely on a centralized server; messages sync directly between devices.
- When internet is down, messages can synchronize via Bluetooth or local Wi‑Fi.
- When internet is available, Briar can synchronize over the Tor network to help protect users and contacts.
- Briar is available for Android on Google Play; the project provides instructions for installation via F‑Droid or direct download as alternatives.
- Accounts are created with an alias and a password (minimum eight characters) and are stored only on the user’s device.
- There is no cloud backup or account recovery if the app is deleted or a password is lost.
- Contacts can be added remotely using a briar:// link or locally by scanning a QR code in person; remote requests time out after 48 hours if a connection cannot be made.
- All messages are end-to-end encrypted. The app supports private group chats with threaded replies and public forums where members can invite others.
What to watch next
- Whether Briar’s usage grows in regions experiencing repeated network outages is not confirmed in the source
- If the project publishes formal security audits or independent reviews of its protocols is not confirmed in the source
- Support or availability for iOS devices is not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- End-to-end encryption: A method of securing messages so only the communicating users can read the contents; intermediaries cannot decrypt them.
- Peer-to-peer (P2P): A network model where devices connect directly to each other rather than through a central server to exchange data.
- Tor: A network of volunteer-operated servers that routes traffic to help conceal a user's location and usage from network surveillance.
- Bluetooth: A short-range wireless technology used for exchanging data between nearby devices.
- Local Wi‑Fi: A wireless network created between devices (or via a local router) that does not require a broader internet connection.
Reader FAQ
On which platforms is Briar available?
The guide states Briar is available for Android on Google Play and provides instructions for installing via F‑Droid or direct download.
Can I use Briar without an internet connection?
Yes. The app can synchronize messages over Bluetooth or local Wi‑Fi when the internet is unavailable.
Is there a cloud backup or account recovery if I lose my device or password?
No. Accounts are stored only on the device; deleting the app or forgetting the password leaves no recovery option.
Are all messages protected?
According to the guide, all messages are end-to-end encrypted.
Is Briar available for iOS?
not confirmed in the source
راهنمای کاربری Briar Briar چیست؟ Briar یک برنامه پیام رسان می باشد که برای فعالان، روزنامه نگاران و هر کسی که نیازمند یک راه امن، راحت و پیشرفته برای ارتباط…
Sources
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