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.