Local messaging app adds privacy features

SoftTalk Messenger, a Nigerian-owned messaging app, has introduced a new feature that allows users to chat and call without sharing their phone numbers.

The company has introduced a feature to address privacy concerns as sharing phone numbers on chat platforms can lead to unwanted spam and security breaches.

SoftTalk Messenger users can now connect with friends, family and classmates via their @username, eliminating the need to share phone numbers, the company announced in a statement.

The app also offers end-to-end encryption, secure messaging, and the ability to manage profile visibility.

SoftTalk Messenger Chief Executive Officer Simple Azenabor noted that it is committed to providing a secure and private messaging experience for users.

“Anyone in an individual or group chat can see your phone number. But don’t worry, you can use SoftTalk Messenger, which doesn’t require a phone number.

“It gives you the best of both worlds: the freedom to communicate with anyone and the security of keeping your phone number private.”

Messages are encrypted and sent over a secure channel using standard encryption algorithms (RSA-2048 and RC4+) so that only the recipient of the message can read it.

SoftTalk Messenger can accommodate 500,000 participants in one group, and members can share media and large files.

The company revealed that the Android version of the app was first introduced in 2018 in the presence of representatives of officials of the Nigerian Communications Commission and the then Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed.

Azenabor noted that SoftTalk Messenger had initiated and explored several technologies to strengthen the backend infrastructure and build a secure and scalable system.