Despite the fact that the application is open source, and can be downloaded for free, that does not mean that it is free of cost: the first step to use this app is to enter a Threema license (which must be paid). With this, the platform maintains all the advantages it offers its users: private, secure, end-to-end encrypted messaging, without data collection and 100% anonymous. It is suitable for both private and professional use, even for the educational environment.
As Threema highlighted on its website, the company has made Threema Libre an application developed from scratch with Open Source software. This implies that the entire code can be audited in order to verify that it does not function differently from that declared by the company (Threema already had a GitHub with the different apps). And the scope of free code reaches such an extent that the app doesn’t even use Google’s notification systemFirebase.
Almost all Android apps rely on Firebase to deliver push notifications to the user; which it involves leave usage data on Google servers. But not with Threema Libre: the company has developed its own notification system with which it completely distances Google from the app. Therefore, said Threema Libre is an instant messaging app that can be used even by those who have a smartphone without Google services or apps; like Huawei mobiles, for example.
Threema Libre is only available on F-Droid. To download it to the phone you have to follow the following process:
- Download F-Droid on your mobile and install the apk in the usual way.
- Once F-Droid is installed, click on this link to the Threema Libre repository.
- Click on the magnifying glass icon at the bottom right. Surely the first option is Threema Libre. If it does not appear, write the name of the app in the search engine.
- Download Threema Libre to your mobile from F-Droid and authorize the installation of app files through the free software store.
- To use Threema Libre you need to purchase a license: its cost is 4.99 euros forever. The license is only valid for this version of the platform, not for the applications that Threema has on Google Play or the App Store. You can purchase this license at this link.
- Open Threema Libre and enter the code of the purchased license.
Like the rest of Threema apps, Libre also requires payment
Threema is an excellent alternative to WhatsApp and the like, especially for those concerned about the privacy and security of their communications. It is extremely versatile and keeps up to date in terms of development and updates. That it offers a 100% Open Source application is a good example of its transparency.
