# Chatmail for Anonymous Encrypted Messaging > [! note]- > The content of this page is generated by audio/video transcription and text transformation from the content and links of this source. Source: [https://fosdem.org/2025/schedule/event/fosdem-2025-5217-chatmail-server-networks-for-anonymous-end-to-end-encrypted-messaging/](https://fosdem.org/2025/schedule/event/fosdem-2025-5217-chatmail-server-networks-for-anonymous-end-to-end-encrypted-messaging/) <video src="https://video.fosdem.org/2025/k4601/fosdem-2025-5217-chatmail-server-networks-for-anonymous-end-to-end-encrypted-messaging.av1.webm" controls></video> ## Summary & Highlights: Chatmail server networks offer a new approach to secure, anonymous messaging by using decentralized infrastructures. The session at FOSDEM 2025 highlights how Chatmail facilitates anonymous end-to-end encrypted messaging without requiring personal data for registration. This is achieved through a network of Chatmail servers that are easy to set up and manage, promoting decentralization and reducing reliance on centralized systems. **Introduction to Chatmail** Chatmail is an open-source project designed to optimize email services for chat applications. It aims to simplify user onboarding by eliminating the need for passwords and personal data. This session discusses the project's motivations, including the desire to decentralize email systems and reduce metadata exposure. **Technical Aspects of Chatmail** The session explores the technical setup of Chatmail servers, which use a combination of open-source tools like Postfix, Dovecot, and pyinfra scripts. These servers are designed to be lightweight and efficient, allowing for easy deployment and maintenance. The focus is on minimizing resource usage and simplifying sysadmin tasks, making it accessible for educational purposes and small-scale deployments. **Security and Privacy Features** Chatmail emphasizes security through end-to-end encryption using OpenPGP. The system is designed to avoid spam by requiring PGP encryption for outbound messages and using random, non-published email addresses. SecureJoin, a protocol for secure key exchange, is also discussed as a way to enhance contact discovery and prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. **Eco-Social Implications** The session highlights the eco-social benefits of Chatmail, including its potential to empower users in regions with restrictive internet policies. By promoting decentralized communication, Chatmail contributes to digital sovereignty and privacy. Its low resource requirements align with sustainable technology practices, offering a viable solution for eco-social designers seeking to implement secure communication networks. ## Importance for an eco-social transformation Chatmail's approach to decentralized, secure messaging can significantly impact eco-social transformation by promoting privacy and reducing centralized control over communication. Its lightweight infrastructure can be deployed on low-cost hardware, making it accessible for communities with limited resources. This aligns with sustainable technology practices, as it minimizes energy consumption and hardware requirements. Eco-social designers can leverage Chatmail to create secure, community-owned communication networks, fostering digital sovereignty. Challenges include overcoming political resistance in regions with strict internet regulations and ensuring widespread adoption of OpenPGP standards. Socially, the project encourages collaboration and skill-sharing, as users can easily set up and manage their own servers, contributing to community resilience. ## Links [Chatmail Repository](https://github.com/DeltaChat/ChatMail) - Explore the code and contribute to the project. [Securejoin Standard](https://securejoin.org) - Learn about the protocol used for secure key exchange. [Delta Chat](https://delta.chat) - Discover the chat client associated with Chatmail. [Video recording (AV1/WebM)](https://video.fosdem.org/2025/k4601/fosdem-2025-5217-chatmail-server-networks-for-anonymous-end-to-end-encrypted-messaging.av1.webm) - Watch the session recording. [Video recording (MP4)](https://video.fosdem.org/2025/k4601/fosdem-2025-5217-chatmail-server-networks-for-anonymous-end-to-end-encrypted-messaging.av1.mp4) - Alternative format of the session recording. [Video recording subtitle file (VTT)](https://video.fosdem.org/2025/k4601/fosdem-2025-5217-chatmail-server-networks-for-anonymous-end-to-end-encrypted-messaging.vtt) - Access subtitles for the session video.