If you are looking for Skype-alternatives because you are concerned with reports of its security issues – given Skype’s alleged “background” problems and refusal to reveal its encryption method – then take comfort that there are a host of options available you’ll be spoiled with choices.
Most recently BitTorrent, best associated with making the peer-to-peer (P2P) software that allows users to download the same file from multiple sources simultaneously, has announced the launch of a pre-alpha version of its secure chat and voice-message service called BitTorrent Bleep.
In order to counter mass surveillance and eavesdropping, Bleep enables users to make calls and send messages over the Internet without using any central server to direct traffic. What BitTorrent did was to apply the same P2P technology used for decentralized file sharing to Bleep so there is no way one could track and peep at the conversations. In essence, Bleep is a decentralized communication platform specifically designed to protect user metadata and anonymity.
And in short, every messages a user sent out is just a “Bleep” to the recipients. Sounds good? The only problem for now is that Bleep is currently limited to Windows 7 or 8 users, although there will be support for more operating systems later.
On the other hand, there is also TOX, a Free and Open Source Software (FOSS – ie. one can verify its code, unlike Skype) initiative and secure alternative to an all-in-one communication platform that guarantees full privacy and secure message delivery.
Tox takes pride in being a configuration-free P2P Skype replacement.
“Configuration-free means that the user will simply have to open the program and without any account configuration will be capable of adding people to his or her’s friends list and start conversing with them,” according to the TOX homepage.
And finally, here’s a list of ten other Skype alternatives to explore.
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