Summary
Numerous online meeting solutions offer enhanced privacy and security. Jitsi Meet, recommended for its open-source nature and self-hosting capabilities, uses DTLS-SRTP encryption. BigBlueButton, an open-source option suitable for education, provides encryption and moderation tools. Wire employs the Proteus protocol for end-to-end encryption. Nextcloud Talk, integrated with Nextcloud, offers self-hosting and optional end-to-end encryption. Signal emphasizes encryption through the Signal Protocol. Element, based on Matrix, offers decentralized and end-to-end encrypted communication. Whereby focuses on ease of use with built-in encryption. Jami is a decentralized platform with end-to-end encryption. When selecting software, consider your specific threat model as end-to-end encryption isn't always necessary.
Key findings
- Encryption Variety: Solutions utilize different encryption methods, including DTLS-SRTP (Jitsi Meet), Proteus (Wire), the Signal Protocol (Signal), and optional end-to-end encryption (Nextcloud Talk).
- Self-Hosting Option: Jitsi Meet and Nextcloud Talk offer self-hosting for greater data control.
- Open Source Availability: Jitsi Meet and BigBlueButton are open-source solutions.
- Decentralization: Element/Matrix and Jami provide decentralized communication platforms.
- Ease of Use Focus: Whereby prioritizes ease of use by avoiding downloads.
- Threat Model Importance: The selection of a secure solution should align with your specific threat model.
Key considerations
- Encryption Configuration: Some solutions (e.g., Nextcloud Talk) require configuration to enable end-to-end encryption.
- Threat Assessment: Identify potential privacy threats to determine the necessary level of security.
- Usability Trade-offs: Consider how security measures might affect the user experience.
- Technical Requirements: Self-hosting solutions require technical expertise for setup and maintenance.
- Scalability: Assess whether the solution can handle the number of participants you anticipate.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
Several online meeting solutions prioritize user privacy. Jitsi Meet, BigBlueButton, Wire, Nextcloud Talk, Signal, Element, Whereby, and Jami are recommended for their encryption and privacy features. Self-hosting options like Jitsi Meet and Nextcloud Talk provide more control over data. Solutions such as Whereby focus on ease of use without downloads.
Key opinions
- Encryption: Many solutions like Wire, Signal, Element, and Jami offer end-to-end encryption for secure communication.
- Open Source: Jitsi Meet and BigBlueButton are open-source options, allowing for transparency and community audits.
- Self-Hosting: Nextcloud Talk and self-hosted Jitsi Meet allow organizations to maintain control over their data and privacy.
- Ease of Use: Whereby focuses on simplicity by not requiring downloads or installations.
Key considerations
- Threat Model: Consider the specific privacy threats and requirements of your use case when choosing a solution.
- Technical Expertise: Self-hosting solutions require technical expertise for setup and maintenance.
- Features: Evaluate the feature set of each solution to ensure it meets your meeting needs.
- Scalability: Consider the scalability of the solution, especially for larger meetings.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Quora suggests Signal for secure video calls, emphasizing its strong encryption and privacy-focused design.
13 Jul 2023 - Quora
Marketer view
Email marketer from Capterra indicates that Jami is a good solution as a free and decentralized communication platform offering end-to-end encryption for video calls.
12 Oct 2022 - Capterra
What the experts say
1 expert opinions
When selecting secure meeting software, it's crucial to consider the specific threat model. End-to-end encryption isn't always necessary or practical, highlighting the importance of assessing individual needs and scenarios.
Key opinions
- Threat Model: The appropriate level of security depends on the specific threats faced.
- Encryption Practicality: End-to-end encryption may not be feasible or required for all situations.
Key considerations
- Needs Assessment: Evaluate the sensitivity of the information being shared and the potential risks.
- Usability: Consider the impact of security measures on the user experience and ease of use.
- Implementation: Assess the technical requirements and resources needed to implement the chosen solution.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise emphasizes that selecting secure meeting software should consider the specific threat model, as end-to-end encryption may not always be necessary or practical for all scenarios.
2 Dec 2023 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
7 technical articles
Several online meeting solutions prioritize security through various encryption methods and privacy features. Jitsi Meet uses DTLS-SRTP encryption, BigBlueButton provides encryption and moderation tools, Wire employs the Proteus protocol for end-to-end encryption, Nextcloud Talk offers end-to-end encryption when configured, Signal utilizes the open-source Signal Protocol, Matrix provides a decentralized network for secure communication, and Whereby implements encryption and security measures to protect user data.
Key findings
- DTLS-SRTP: Jitsi Meet uses DTLS-SRTP encryption for media streams.
- BigBlueButton Security: BigBlueButton includes encryption and moderation tools.
- Proteus Protocol: Wire uses the Proteus protocol for end-to-end encryption.
- Nextcloud Talk Encryption: Nextcloud Talk offers end-to-end encryption when configured.
- Signal Protocol: Signal uses the open-source Signal Protocol for end-to-end encryption.
- Decentralized Communication: Matrix provides a decentralized network for secure communication.
- Whereby Security Measures: Whereby implements encryption and other security measures.
Key considerations
- Configuration: Some solutions, like Nextcloud Talk, require specific configuration for end-to-end encryption.
- Protocol Understanding: Understanding the encryption protocols used by each solution can help assess its security level.
- Moderation Tools: Consider the availability and effectiveness of moderation tools for maintaining a safe meeting environment.
- Decentralization Implications: Decentralized platforms like Matrix offer more control but may require more technical knowledge.
Technical article
Documentation from BigBlueButton details its security features, including encryption and moderation tools, to help ensure a safe and private online meeting environment.
21 Feb 2025 - BigBlueButton
Technical article
Documentation from Wire explains that Wire uses Proteus, a state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption protocol, to protect all communications.
25 Apr 2025 - Wire
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