At Signal, end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls were previously possible, but this did not apply to group calls, i.e. calls with several people at the same time. That is now changing: The extension is now available, free of charge and is based on the RingRTC library.

Initially, up to five participants can complete Make encrypted calls by video, soon there will be more. For this it is necessary that everyone has the latest version of the messenger, starting with v5.0.3 for Android, v5.0.0 for iOS and on the desktop v1. 39. 2 . In addition, calls can only be started from group conversations of a new type: specifically, the “confidential group system”, as it is called in the blog post that was presented a few weeks ago. Signal then does not receive any information about group memberships, group names, avatars or group properties.

Start a call in the group chat You can be invited to such groups via link or QR code. Admins can remove members, give them rights to edit group information and when messages disappear. Maximum limit for confidential groups are 150 members.

To start an encrypted group call, there there is a video icon in the top right corner of the group conversation. The other members are then notified of the call and can join. The messenger displays a list of all participants. Swiping up and down changes the view – between tile optics and the active speaker. During a call, the video view can be minimized so that you can write messages at the same time.

Zoom also recently started offering end-to-end encryption for video calls. After a long announcement phase, the function is now available for the macOS and PC desktop clients as well as the Android app. However, it must be activated individually for each video conference and cannot be combined with all other zoom functions. Wire allows up to twelve participants to communicate encrypted via video.

(emw)