Question 1

What is chatuvo?

Accepted Answer

chatuvo is a decentralized, anonymous messaging application that uses a Gossip protocol to enable peer-to-peer communication without relying on central servers. Your conversations are private, ephemeral, and completely anonymous.

Question 2

How does the decentralized network work?

Accepted Answer

chatuvo uses a Gossip protocol where messages are distributed across a network of peers. When you send a message, it's shared with nearby users who then relay it to others until it reaches all intended recipients. This ensures no single point of failure or control.

Question 3

Is chatuvo truly anonymous?

Accepted Answer

Yes! chatuvo doesn't require any personal information, accounts, or registration. Your identity is represented by a randomly generated cryptographic key which is stored within your browser. No personal data is collected or stored.

Question 4

Does chatuvo store any data?

Accepted Answer

No, chatuvo doesn't store any data. chatuvo is web client which enables connection to the decentralized Gossip network. All related data like your cryptographic keys or messages are stored within your browser.

Question 5

Where do the usernames come from?

Accepted Answer

The usernames are calculated from a cryptographic key to ensure easy readability. Please note that usernames are not unique. Several users can have the same username but have different keys internally. Identification by username is therefore not possible.

Question 6

Where are my messages stored?

Accepted Answer

Messages are stored locally on your device and temporarily on the devices of peers in the network for relay purposes. There are no central servers storing your conversations. Messages are ephemeral and will eventually be purged from the network.

Question 7

Can deleted messages be recovered?

Accepted Answer

No. Once you delete a message or clear your local storage, those messages cannot be recovered. The decentralized nature means there's no central backup of your conversations.

Question 8

Are messages encrypted?

Accepted Answer

Messages in private chats between two users are fully encrypted; the same applies to messages sent in rooms with a password. Messages in public rooms are not encrypted as they can be read by anyone anyway. However, a signature check is always carried out to ensure that a message sent originates from the correct sender.

Question 9

Is the video chat encrypted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the video chat is a direct connection between two users based on WebRTC. This protocol is encrypted by default. However, please note that the other user may be able to find out your IP address as this is a direct connection between you.

Question 10

What is the Safety Filter?

Accepted Answer

As the Gossip network is a purely decentralized network, no central moderation or filtering of messages is possible. The Safety Filter is a local filter that filters unwanted or potentially dangerous messages. No data is sent to third parties, the filter is executed locally in the browser.

Question 11

Is my IP address visible?

Accepted Answer

No, not directly. chatuvo establishes a connection to the Gossip network. This will connect you to other peers on the network. However, these are not necessarily the users you are chatting with. Your connected peers can technically see your IP address, but do not know who you are. The connection is random and not directly related to each other. Video chat is an exception here. In this case, a direct connection is established between you and your chat partner. Your chat partner then has the technical ability to view your IP address as they are directly connected to you.

Question 12

What are rooms and how do they work?

Accepted Answer

Rooms are public or private chat spaces where multiple users can communicate. Public rooms can be joined by anyone who knows the room name, while private rooms can be password-protected. Room messages are distributed to all participants.

Question 13

Can I send files through chatuvo?

Accepted Answer

Yes! chatuvo supports file sharing through the Gossip network, but file size is limited to avoid overloading the network. You can share images, videos, documents, and other files directly with other users.

Question 14

How do I join or create rooms?

Accepted Answer

Navigate to the Rooms section and either enter an existing room name to join it, or create a new room by entering a unique name. You can optionally password-protect your room for privacy.

Question 15

I'm having trouble connecting to the network. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

First, check your internet connection. If you're still having issues, try refreshing the page or selecting different Gossip network servers in the server selection modal. Some networks or firewalls may block peer-to-peer connections.

Question 16

My messages aren't being delivered. Why?

Accepted Answer

Message delivery depends on network connectivity and the availability of other peers. If recipients are offline or there are network issues, messages may be delayed or not delivered. This is a characteristic of decentralized networks.

Question 17

How can I report a user?

Accepted Answer

As there is no central storage and therefore no accounts, it is not possible to report or identify a user. A user can be blocked in the client so that you no longer receive messages from him.

Question 18

Can I use chatuvo offline?

Accepted Answer

chatuvo requires an internet connection to communicate with other peers in the network. However, you can view your locally stored message history while offline.

Question 19

What is the Gossip protocol?

Accepted Answer

The Gossip protocol is a decentralized communication method where information spreads through a network like rumors in a community. Each node (user) shares information with their neighbors, who then share it with their neighbors, ensuring message delivery without central coordination.

Question 20

Which browsers are supported?

Accepted Answer

chatuvo works best on modern browsers that support WebRTC and modern JavaScript features. We recommend using the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge for the best experience.

Question 21

Does chatuvo work on mobile devices?

Accepted Answer

Yes! chatuvo is fully responsive and works on mobile devices. You can also install it as a Progressive Web App (PWA) for a native app-like experience on your phone or tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions