A California-based startup called Germ Network has achieved a milestone by becoming the first private messenger to launch natively from the Bluesky app.
This integration brings end-to-end encrypted messaging to users via a simple profile badge, leveraging the open AT Protocol that powers Bluesky.
Revolutionizing Decentralized Private Communication
Founded by Tessa Brown, a former Stanford communications scholar, and Mark Xue, ex-Apple privacy engineer behind FaceTime and iMessage, Germ aims to offer a modern alternative to apps like Signal and WhatsApp.
The technology utilizes Messaging Layer Security (MLS), an IETF-approved standard, ensuring messages remain encrypted and inaccessible even to Germ or Bluesky itself.
No phone numbers are required; users authenticate with their ATProto handle for seamless, secure chats.
How the Integration Works Seamlessly
Clicking a friend's Germ badge on Bluesky opens an iOS App Clip, allowing instant messaging after quick login, with an optional prompt to download the full Germ DM app.
To add the badge to one's own profile, users download the iOS beta app and link their Bluesky credentials, sometimes requiring a app restart for visibility.
From Private Beta to Explosive Growth
Germ's journey began with a private beta in August using bio links, evolving through community feedback since last year's ATmosphere Conference.
Post-integration announcement, Germ's daily active users surged 5x, highlighting strong demand for native E2EE in decentralized networks.
Unlike Big Tech platforms, this showcases the power of open ecosystems where third-party innovations like Germ enhance core apps collaboratively.
Future Innovations and Broader Impact
Germ is releasing guidance for other ATProto apps to integrate similarly, with Blacksky already following suit.
Looking ahead, the focus remains on everyday features before pro features like multi-handle support and AI screening for power users such as creators and journalists.
This launch not only boosts Bluesky's appeal but paves the way for privacy-first communication in the growing decentralized social landscape.
Andrew Lee
