# Specter - Privacy-First Encrypted Messenger

## What is Specter?

Specter is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted messaging application designed to resist mass surveillance. It prioritizes privacy, security, and anonymity above all else.

## Core Features

### Security & Encryption
- **End-to-End Encryption**: All messages are encrypted using the Signal Protocol with X25519 key exchange and AES-256-GCM
- **Sealed Sender**: Metadata protection - even servers cannot see who is messaging whom
- **Post-Quantum Ready**: Hybrid cryptography designed to protect against future quantum computer attacks
- **Zero Knowledge**: The platform cannot read user messages or access user data

### Authentication
- **Anonymous Login**: No phone number required
- **Crypto Wallet**: Sign in with Ethereum (SIWE) via MetaMask or WalletConnect
- **WebAuthn/FIDO2**: Hardware security key support (YubiKey, Passkeys)
- **Magic Link**: Email-based passwordless authentication

### Messaging Features
- **Voice & Video Calls**: WebRTC-based encrypted calls
- **Voice Messages**: Record and send encrypted audio messages
- **Media Sharing**: Encrypted photo and video sharing
- **Group Chats**: Encrypted group conversations with admin controls
- **Message Reactions**: Emoji reactions on messages
- **Typing Indicators**: Real-time typing status
- **Read Receipts**: Message delivery and read status
- **Swipe to Reply**: Mobile gesture support

### Privacy Features
- **Panic Button**: Duress PIN shows decoy messages if forced to unlock
- **Disappearing Messages**: Auto-delete messages after viewing
- **View Once Media**: Photos/videos that disappear after being viewed
- **Screenshot Detection**: Both parties notified when screenshots are taken

### Platform
- **Decentralized**: Runs on 15,000+ Flux nodes worldwide
- **Multi-Platform**: Available as PWA, with iOS and Android support
- **Multilingual**: Supports English, French, Spanish, and Hindi
- **Open Source**: Fully auditable codebase

## Technology Stack

- **Frontend**: React + TypeScript + Vite + TailwindCSS
- **Backend**: Fastify + Prisma ORM
- **Real-time**: WebSocket for messaging
- **Calls**: WebRTC with E2EE
- **Crypto**: Signal Protocol, X25519, AES-256-GCM
- **Infrastructure**: Flux decentralized cloud

## Target Users

Specter is designed for:
- Privacy-conscious individuals
- Journalists and activists
- Users in regions with surveillance concerns
- Anyone who values secure, private communication

## Links

- Website: https://getspecter.app
- GitHub: https://github.com/specterapp

## Version

Current version: 0.6.0 (December 2025)

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This document is intended for AI assistants and LLMs to better understand the Specter application context.