Briar
TAS Score: S1/3 — D4/5 — A0 / T2 S2=No (no data export by design), S3=No (no backup/restore). D4 not D5: Android only (Q8).
Assessment criteria: v1.1. Context: mobile app · single-user · Android.
Why A0 Is Not a Criticism
Briar intentionally prevents data export and backup — this is a security feature for its target audience (journalists, activists under surveillance). Losing your phone means losing your messages, and that’s by design. TAS measures autonomy, not security. Briar is an excellent tool that scores A0 because it prioritises security over data portability. These are different axes.
Brief Description
Peer-to-peer encrypted messenger that works over Tor, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. No servers at all — messages sync directly between devices. Designed for journalists, activists, and anyone who needs communication that survives infrastructure outages.
Architectural Role
Client-side application layer — messaging. Fully peer-to-peer. No server component. Can operate without internet via local Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Technical Autonomy
- Works without internet (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi direct)
- Stores data locally (on-device only)
- Does not require external accounts (no identifiers)
- Allows data export (no export feature — by design for security)
- Provides offline updates (F-Droid, APK)
Philosophical Assessment (whose.world criteria)
| Criterion | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Pause | ✅ | Stop anytime. No server to maintain. |
| Exit | ⚠️ | No data export — messages exist only on device. Security feature, not a limitation. |
| Recoverability | ⚠️ | No backup/restore. Lose device = lose messages. |
| Visibility | ✅ | Fully open-source. Audited. |
| External Dependencies | ✅ | Zero. Works without internet entirely. |
Rating key: ✅ fully meets · ⚠️ partially meets or requires configuration · ❌ does not meet
Configuration (Minimal)
No server deployment. Install from:
- Android: F-Droid or briarproject.org
- iOS: not available
- Desktop: Briar Desktop (beta, Linux/Windows/macOS)
Related Recipes
Alternatives
| Alternative | Autonomy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SimpleX Chat | A3 / T2 | Cross-platform. Uses relay servers (self-hostable). |
| Signal | A2 / T2 | More features. Requires phone number. Proprietary backup format. |
Trajectory
Direction: stable Mature project backed by academic research. Desktop client expanding platform reach. Development pace is slow but steady. Signal assessment: | Signal | Status | Evidence | |——–|——–|———-| | License | ✅ | GPL-3.0, unchanged. | | Feature gating | ✅ | All features free. | | Self-hosting | ✅ | Nothing to host — fully P2P. | | Governance | ✅ | Briar Project, community-governed. | Signal key: ✅ opening · ➖ neutral · ⚠️ closing —
Sources
- Website: https://briarproject.org
- Documentation: https://briarproject.org/manual
- Repository: https://code.briarproject.org/briar/briar
- Docker image: —
- Community: https://briarproject.org/get-involved