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3w ago

Germ Launches Beta of Encrypted DMs for Bluesky

Germ is enrolling testers into its MLS-powered encrypted chat service, planning an Android launch, scheduling premium upgrades, with its protocol already available under an open source license.

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Bluesky gets encrypted DMs
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Overview

  • Germ has opened its end-to-end encrypted DM beta for Bluesky and is gradually onboarding users ahead of a broader public rollout.
  • The service uses Messaging Layer Security and Bluesky’s AT Protocol handles instead of phone numbers to secure one-to-one and group chats.
  • A magic link and Apple App Clips enable iOS users to start encrypted conversations instantly without installing the full Germ app.
  • Users can customize direct message permissions and apply blocks across Bluesky and other AT Protocol-powered apps for granular privacy control.
  • The four-person startup has released its protocol as open source while exploring collaboration with Bluesky and planning Android support along with potential premium features.