Microsoft adds end-to-end encryption via Signal protocol to Skype

Microsoft has added a new feature called Private Conversations to Skype. The company has partnered with Open Whisper Systems, which developed the Signal protocol, to introduce secure private chats.

The Private Conversations feature is currently available to Skype Insider test users. The feature only works between two people, not with group chats. A person who wants to start a private chat creates a private conversation and clicks on a contact, who then gets an invitation. This is valid for seven days. If the invitation has expired, the user will have to send a new one and the same applies if they want to converse on another device.

Messages from the conversations will not appear in preview in chats or notifications and users will not be able to forward files or edit messages. The underlying protocol for the feature is the Signal Protocol, which provides end-to-end encryption. This means that the encryption takes place on the sender’s device and remains encrypted throughout the transmission process. Intermediate servers or other third parties cannot view the content, even if they belong to Skype itself.

WhatsApp, Facebook and Google previously used the Signal Protocol for its Allo service to secure chats. In addition, there is a Signal chat app from Open Whisper Systems itself.