The French prime minister has ordered government officials to uninstall popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal from their mobile devices due to security vulnerabilities.
This directive was issued in a circular dated November 22. Instead, officials are under orders to turn around At Olvid, an open source messaging app developed in France.
The decision to promote Olvid is a major boost for the app, created by cyber experts Thomas Baignères and Matthieu Finiasz.
OLVID works similarly to other messaging apps in terms of its basic functions, allowing users to create groups, exchange messages, and share media. However, what sets Olvid apart is its strong emphasis on security and privacy.
The app uses end-to-end encryption algorithms to protect user data. In particular, Olvid does not store user information on servers.
Encryption protocols are based on asymmetric encryption and use the algorithm AES 256 in CTR mode. Certified by the French cyber security agency, ANSSI for high levels of security of, it doesn't require sharing phone numbers or email addresses; instead, it involves scanning a QR code when both users are in close proximity.
These technical means answer many of the differences highlighted in an earlier analysis by ANSSI during cryptanalysis protocols.
The Olvid client-side app source code for both iOS and Android is open source and available for public access.
However, as of now, the server-side code that facilitates message passing is not open source. The decision not to publish the server-side code is mainly due to several reasons.
While Olvid aims to eventually open source the server, it will likely be in a more mature standalone form, suitable for smaller user bases. Additionally, Olvid is exploring multicloud infrastructure options to enhance security and align with recognized security standards such as SecNumCloud.
This push for a sovereign and secure app has also been outlined by French Minister of Digital Technology Jean Noel Barrot, who confirmed the government's willingness to promote French technology.
Article Source: https://joinup.ec.europa.eu
https://opengov.ellak.gr/2023/12/12/france-olvid/
Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.
