89
Meshtastic
Open-source, decentralized mesh networking using inexpensive LoRa hardware devices. Enables long-range, off-grid encrypted text communication without cell service or internet.
Zero KYC
Briar
A privacy-preserving tool offering genuine utility.
Zero KYCTrust 69/100
Trust
CAUTION
JURISDICTIONUnknown
OWNED BYBriar Project (Non-profit)
STATE ACTORUS government (indirect): Confirmed OTF (Open Technology Fund) recipient — $361,100+ documented. OTF funding chain: US Congress → Dept of State / Foreign Operations → USAGM (formerly Radio Free Asia/CIA Cold War origins) → OTF. Additional funders: Internews ($476.4M in USAID grants across 467 contracts) and Small Media Foundation. Same US "internet freedom" apparatus as Tor, Signal, Qubes OS.
WARNINGReceives US government funding via Open Technology Fund (OTF/USAGM). OTF also funds Tor and Signal — no backdoors documented in Briar. Relevant concern for activists with adversarial US government threat models.
AUDITED BYNone on record
TRUST SCORE
69
LAST UPDATED3/13/2026
Specs
KYC LEVELZero
KYC TRIGGERSAdvertises No-KYC, but strictly adhere to OPSEC rules. Access via Tor, pay with XMR.
FEEFree
NETWORKSFOSS, Android, Desktop
CATEGORIESMessaging, Offline
BEST FORGeneral usage
TOR—
REGIONS1 country — Global
About
Encrypted peer-to-peer messaging app designed for activists and journalists. Works over Tor, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth (offline mesh) without central servers.
Follow the Money
Briar Project — Non-profit
──────────────────────────────────────
Funders: OTF (US State Dept) $361K+
Internews (USAID), NLnet, EU
Revenue: free, grant-funded
├─ OTF = US Dept of State/USAGM chain
├─ Same apparatus as Tor + Signal
└─ No documented backdoors foundFrequently Asked Questions
Does Briar require KYC or identity verification?
No. Briar does not require identity verification (KYC) for typical usage. Advertises No-KYC, but strictly adhere to OPSEC rules. Access via Tor, pay with XMR.
What payment methods does Briar accept?
Briar accepts the following payment methods: FOSS, Android, Desktop.
Is Briar available in my country?
Briar is available in: GLOBAL.
Is Briar based in a Five Eyes country?
The jurisdiction of Briar is not publicly confirmed. Check the provider site for incorporation details.
Is Briar safe to use for privacy?
Use Briar with caution. Receives US government funding via Open Technology Fund (OTF/USAGM). OTF also funds Tor and Signal — no backdoors documented in Briar. Relevant concern for activists with adversarial US government threat models.
Which payment networks does Briar support?
Accepted networks: FOSS, Android, Desktop.
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