A Practical Guide to More Private Conversations

Secret Messaging Apps That Look Like Games

Another topic that sometimes appears in discussions about private communication is secret messaging apps that look like games.

These applications may use a game-style appearance or another less obvious interface.

The purpose can be to make the messaging function less noticeable when someone casually looks at a phone.

However, an unusual interface does not automatically mean an application is secure.

A game-like application can still have questions around:

• Encryption
• Data collection
• Storage
• Permissions
• Account security
• Software updates
• Privacy policies

Therefore, users should investigate the underlying application rather than judging it by its appearance.

Appearance Is Not Security

A disguised application may offer visual privacy, but visual privacy and technical security are two different things.

For example, hiding an app icon may make an application less noticeable. It does not necessarily protect the data stored inside the application.

Similarly, a colorful game-style interface says nothing by itself about whether messages are encrypted.