Strafe Launches Open Source, Self-Hostable Chat Platform Focused on Privacy

Privacy-First Communication

Strafe is positioning itself as a chat platform built around free and open source software principles and user privacy. The service promises no tracking, no ads, and no data harvesting, with end-to-end encryption enabled for all messages by default. According to the project, conversations stay private at all times, and users retain full ownership of their data.

Feature Set

The platform combines messaging with collaboration tools. It supports full markdown, code blocks, and rich embeds, along with communities and spaces that can be organized with rooms, roles, and permissions. Strafe also offers voice and video calls with screen sharing, plus file sharing without arbitrary size restrictions. The developers describe the service as built for performance, with low latency messaging designed to scale with a community.

Self-Hosting and Open Source

A core part of Strafe's pitch is self-hosting. Users can run their own instance with full control, isolated from the main instance, on their own infrastructure. The entire codebase is available under a permissive open source license, and the project states that every line of code is open for inspection with no hidden trackers or secret backdoors. Strafe also emphasizes no vendor lock-in, allowing users to export, migrate, or self-host at any time without restrictions.

Availability

Strafe is available on desktop, web, and mobile, with conversations syncing across devices. The desktop app works as a single client for every instance, letting users sign in wherever Strafe runs, switch between accounts, and receive calls and mentions even with the window closed. Updates install automatically. Native builds are offered for Windows, Linux, and macOS, including both Apple Silicon and Intel versions, with more formats available for every release.

Sources: Hacker News