Swiss messenger that works without a phone number.
About Threema
Threema is a Swiss encrypted messenger first released in 2012 by Threema GmbH, based near Zurich. Its defining feature is that it can be used completely anonymously: accounts are identified by a randomly generated ID rather than a phone number or email address.
All communication is end-to-end encrypted, contact lists never have to leave the device, and servers are located exclusively in Switzerland. The apps have been open source since 2020 and undergo regular external audits. Threema is financed by a one-time purchase price and business subscriptions instead of ads or investor capital.
The paid model keeps the company independent but also limits its reach — Threema's user base is small compared to WhatsApp or Signal, concentrated in German-speaking Europe. It is popular with companies and public institutions that need GDPR-compliant messaging.
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