Bitfinex, Tether and Hypercore unveil encrypted P2P video-chat app Keet

Bitfinex, Tether and Hypercore have launched Holepunch, a platform for building fully encrypted peer-to-peer applications, and unveiled the first of them — Keet, a video-chat app.

Tether, Bitfinex and Hypercore Launch Holepunch 🕳️🥊 , a Platform for Building Fully Encrypted Peer-to-Peer Applications

Read more ⬇️https://t.co/RDxvLW9FRS

— Tether (@Tether_to) July 25, 2022

“The free app uses peer-to-peer connections to provide real-time audio and video calls, chat, and file sharing. It is based on an innovative stack of distributed technologies,” the statement said.

Keet gives users full control over their data and communication channels, without relying on cloud software or external servers as intermediaries. A direct connection uses a pair of cryptographic keys for protection.

“Web2 requires users to give up control over their data, which leads to the growth of monopolies and privacy problems. That is why Tether and Bitfinex decided to participate in the development of Holepunch and Keet. We believe that freedom of choice, communication and finance are the lifeblood of the future, and all that strengthens them deserves support,” said Paolo Ardoino, CTO of the companies.

The Holepunch protocol is in alpha testing and closed source. Developers are expected to release it as open source by the end of 2022.

According to the statement, the platform does not rely on any blockchain, but its built-in payments API will operate with the Lightning Network. By default, Holepunch also supports integration into USDT stablecoin applications.

Bitfinex and Tether provided funding for the project; Ardoino became the joint venture’s chief strategy officer.

Back in 2020, Bitfinex launched the P2P marketplace Dazaar and the decentralized streaming service Dazaar Live built on the Hypercore protocol.

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