What is Darkwire.io used for?

Darkwire.io is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted web chat built with Node.js, socket.io and the Web Crypto API. It is a good fit for quick private chat rooms and reference for client-side encryption.

Is Darkwire.io open source?

Yes. Darkwire.io is open source under the MIT licence. Its source code is on GitHub at darkwire/darkwire.io and is written mainly in JavaScript.

Yes. Darkwire.io is open source, so the software itself is free to use. A managed cloud version is also available.

Can I self-host Darkwire.io?

Yes. Darkwire.io can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure.

What are some alternatives to Darkwire.io?

Similar open-source tools in the Team Chat category include SimpleX Chat, Cryptocat and ghChat. SaaS products in the same category include Beeper, Kik and Signal.

Is Darkwire.io actively maintained?

The most recent commit to Darkwire.io was on 14 January 2024. The project has 951 stars on GitHub.

Darkwire.io: open-source team chat

About Darkwire.io

Darkwire.io is a browser-based chat service where messages are encrypted on the client before they leave the sender's device. It is intended both as a usable instant chat and as an example of how client-side encryption can be built and added to a chat service. The project's topics also emphasize anonymous use and chat rooms.

The server is a Node.js application using socket.io, and the web client is written in JavaScript with React and Redux. Encryption combines RSA-OAEP key pairs, AES-CBC session keys and HMAC signing keys; when a message is sent, a fresh session key and signing key are created, and the same approach applies to group chats. Because it relies on the browser's crypto API, it needs an HTTPS connection except on localhost.

Darkwire is licensed under MIT and can be run with a manual setup, docker-compose or a standalone Docker image configured through .env files. Security issues are reported by email to the maintainers. It suits developers who want to study or deploy a minimal private chat, and people who want quick throwaway rooms.

Key features

End-to-end encrypted instant messaging
RSA-OAEP, AES-CBC and HMAC cryptography
Chat rooms including group chats
Web Crypto API in the browser
Docker and docker-compose deployment
React and Redux web client

Good fit for

→Quick private chat rooms
→Reference for client-side encryption

Built with: JavaScript
Tags: encryption; e2ee; chat; socket-io; privacy; chatroom; cryptography; react

Darkwire.io: questions and answers

What is Darkwire.io used for?: Darkwire.io is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted web chat built with Node.js, socket.io and the Web Crypto API. It is a good fit for quick private chat rooms and reference for client-side encryption.
Is Darkwire.io open source?: Yes. Darkwire.io is open source under the MIT licence. Its source code is on GitHub at darkwire/darkwire.io and is written mainly in JavaScript.
Is Darkwire.io free?: Yes. Darkwire.io is open source, so the software itself is free to use. A managed cloud version is also available.
Can I self-host Darkwire.io?: Yes. Darkwire.io can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure.
What are some alternatives to Darkwire.io?: Similar open-source tools in the Team Chat category include SimpleX Chat, Cryptocat and ghChat. SaaS products in the same category include Beeper, Kik and Signal.
Is Darkwire.io actively maintained?: The most recent commit to Darkwire.io was on 14 January 2024. The project has 951 stars on GitHub.