Two families of tools are explored: encrypted messaging (Session, Matrix) and decentralized social networks (Nostr, Mastodon). SimpleX is mentioned as a bonus but not recommended as a priority to avoid fragmentation.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/OWYkYrSJuck
Understanding the Two Architectures: Decentralized vs Federated
Before choosing a tool, it’s essential to distinguish between two network organization models.
-
Decentralized (Session, Nostr) — The network is entirely horizontal: no central server has a hierarchical role. Your account exists independently of any particular node. If a relay goes offline, your account survives. Resilience depends however on the overall vitality of the network: if no one runs nodes anymore, the network dies.
-
Federated (Matrix, Mastodon) — The network consists of independent servers connected to each other. You create your account on a specific server. If that server goes down, your account goes down with it. However, you can launch your own server and retain full control. Resilience rests on the person or collective that administers the server.
| Criterion | Decentralized | Federated |
|---|---|---|
| Dependency on a server | None | Linked to chosen server |
| Setup | Nothing to manage | One server to administer |
| If a node/server goes down | Account survives | Account may disappear |
| Self-hosting | Not necessary | Possible and recommended |
Encrypted Messaging
Session — Decentralized Messaging
Session is a decentralized encrypted messaging app, inspired by Signal’s code but without its drawbacks. Signal is centralized and hosted on Amazon servers in the United States, subject to the Cloud Act (the NSA and CIA can demand access to messages). Session adopts Signal’s encryption principles but applies them on a decentralized global network.
Main features:
- End-to-end encryption (protocol derived from Signal)
- Decentralized network: no central server, no single jurisdiction
- Groups up to 50 people encrypted (beyond that, encryption is limited)
- Available on phone (iOS, Android) and computer (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Audio calls supported
- No phone number or email required
Getting started:
See the complete Session tutorial on Sortie de Banque.
Censorship resistance: Session is not based on a domain name, a particular server, or a jurisdiction. Cutting off the network is extremely difficult for a censor.
Matrix (client: Element) — Federated Messaging
Matrix is a federated messaging protocol. The most well-known client is Element (formerly Element Classic, and Element X for recent mobile versions).
Main features:
- End-to-end encryption
- Federated architecture: you choose a server (or create your own)
- Potentially very large groups (up to tens of thousands of users on a big server)
- Available as web version (no installation needed), desktop application (Windows, Mac, Linux) and mobile (iOS: Element X, Android: Element X)
- Encrypted session backup for multi-device recovery
Available clients:
| Platform | Recommended Client |
|---|---|
| Web | app.element.io (nothing to install) |
| Windows / Mac / Linux | Element Desktop |
| iOS | Element X |
| Android | Element X |
| F-Droid | Element |
Getting started:
- Visit matrix.org or use the web version app.element.io.
- Click “Create Account”.
- Choose your homeserver:
- Enter a username and a strong password.
- Confirm your email via the received link.
- Choose your preferences (notifications, data sharing — disable if you wish to limit metadata).
Usage:
-
Join a public room: Search for a room (e.g., Matrix Community at
community2.matrix.org) and click “Join”. - Create your own group: Choose “Create Space”, set it as public or private, then follow the steps.
- Share your contact: Click your profile in the top left, copy your personal link and share it.
- Security backup: Matrix will ask you to create a recovery key to restore your sessions and messages in case of device loss.
Self-hosting:
To host your own Matrix server: an automated installation script is available from the “Sortie de Banque” community. Simply specify the desired server name, and the script configures everything. A standard configuration (approximately 100 GB disk and 4 GB RAM) can accommodate several thousand users. Matrix works like a database (not a blockchain): backing up the files is enough to migrate to a new server transparently.
Decentralized Social Networks
Nostr — Decentralized Social Network
Nostr (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays) is a decentralized social network protocol. It works like Twitter (likes, reposts, comments, personal profile) but without a central server. Once a message is published, it becomes uncensorable: even the author cannot remove it. This is Nostr’s main strength against institutional censorship.
Available clients:
| Platform | Recommended Client | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Web | phoenix.social | Direct access, no account required |
| iPhone / iOS | Damus or Primal | Primal = smoother, Damus = more resilient |
| Android | Amethyst or Primal | Amethyst = slower but resilient, Primal = fluid but depends on cache server |
Getting started:
See the complete Nostr tutorial on Sortie de Banque.
Notable features:
- Zaps in Bitcoin Lightning: Nostr integrates direct micropayments in Bitcoin Lightning. You can support an author or media outlet by clicking the zap icon and selecting an amount. No credit card, crypto payment directly.
- Media relays: Bridges between Nostr and traditional media (well-known newspapers) exist. Even if Twitter is blocked or suspended, you can continue following news uncensorably via Nostr.
Finding the “Bank-Exit” community on Nostr:
Search the community’s #KipInTouche hashtag in the Nostr client’s search bar to access their posts, followers, and followings directly.
Mastodon — Federated Social Network
Mastodon operates on the same federated model as Matrix: you create an account on a chosen server, and servers communicate with each other.
Main features:
- Federated architecture (like Matrix)
- Interface similar to Twitter
- Server-level moderation: administrators and moderators enforce rules and expel disruptors
- Rooms/groups configurable as public, invitation-only, etc.
- Numerous clients available (Android, iPhone, web, computer, even retro systems)
Getting started:
- Visit mastodon.social (main server) or choose another server.
- Click “Join”.
- Choose a client application among the many options listed on the site.
Moderation:
Bonus: SimpleX
SimpleX is mentioned as a bonus option. It is a technically advanced messaging app allowing multiple identities. The community does not prioritize it to avoid fragmentation: too many tools dilute efforts and prevent critical mass from forming on each platform.
Summary Table of Tools
| Tool | Type | Architecture | Usage | Tutorial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session | Messaging | Decentralized | 1-to-1 and groups ≤ 50 | Link |
| Matrix / Element | Messaging | Federated | Large groups, scalable | / |
| Nostr | Social Network | Decentralized | Uncensorable publication | Link |
| Mastodon | Social Network | Federated | Moderated Twitter alternative | / |
| SimpleX (bonus) | Messaging | Decentralized | Multi-identities | / |
Practical Recommendations
-
Migration priority: Start with Session for daily messaging (simple, nothing to manage) and Nostr for following news uncensorably. Add Matrix if you have a collective capable of administering a server, and Mastodon for a Twitter-like presence with moderation.
-
On iOS (Apple): The App Store is a closed environment. Apple decides unilaterally which applications are allowed. This is a dead end for resilience. If you want to go further, consider leaving iOS. Android is more open but also begins tightening restrictions on free apps. The coming years may see Google restrict installing apps outside the Play Store. Computers remain the most open platforms.
-
OnlyOffice: Mentioned during the workshop as a free alternative to Microsoft Office (documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF forms). Modern design, advantageously replaces Office subscriptions at 7–12 €/month. LibreOffice is also a viable option, though its design is more archaic.