ArcHub: Communications Resources


Messaging:

PET Messaging

PET stands for Peer-to-peer and Encrypted messaging over Tor. This is the safest type of messenger app to use. Here is a guide: PETGuide.pdf

And here are some PET apps:

Other Encrypted Messaging

  • Signal.org - Signal is an open-source, encrypted messaging service for instant messaging, voice calls, and video calls

    • Signal is encrypted and open source, but it is also centralized, and asks for a phone number to create an account. To use Signal without a phone number, here is a guide: https://theintercept.com/2024/07/16/signal-app-privacy-phone-number

  • Element.io - Sovereign, secure and interoperable communications, built on the Matrix open standard.

    • Element/Matrix is encrypted and open source, but does not use tor by default and requires configuration for maximum security. Professional backend services are available to help. It is used in many large organizations that require strict security standards. Here is a guide to get started: https://static.element.io/pdfs/element-user-guide.pdf


Digital Infrastructure:

  • Meshtastic.org - An open source, off-grid, decentralized, mesh network built to run on affordable, low-power devices
  • TorProject.org - Advancing human rights and freedoms by creating and deploying free and open source anonymity and privacy technologies, supporting their unrestricted availability and use, and furthering their scientific and popular understanding.
  • Tails.net - a portable operating system that protects against surveillance and censorship.
  • Autistici.org - providing a platform and tools for digital self-defense addressing the need of free communication for activists and other individuals
  • NoBlogs.org - Connecting radical people. Non commercial, antifascist, antisexist, privacy-oriented blog platform
  • Matrix.org - Matrix is an open protocol for decentralised, secure communications.
  • Jitsi.Anarchy.Chat
  • RiseUp.net - Riseup provides online communication tools for people and groups working on liberatory social change.
  • Karrot.World - Karrot is a free and open-source tool for grassroots initiatives and groups that want to coordinate face-to-face activities on a local, autonomous and voluntary basis. Designed to enable community-building and support a more transparent, democratic and participatory governance of your group.
  • Mobilizon.org - a multitude of interconnected Mobilizon websites, from the fediverse and more.
  • Sovereign.Tech - securing open digital infrastructure as the foundation for a future-oriented economy and modern society
  • SafeGuar.de - alternative infrastructure for archiving and disseminating of cultural heritage and scientific knowledge
  • Framasoft.org - A non-profit association founded in 2004, financed by donations, which is limited to a dozen employees and about thirty volunteers (a group of friends!) who publish emancipatory content, develops free software, and hosts free services to contribute to a society of social justice where digital technology empowers people.

Fediverse (Federated Social Media):

The Fediverse (federation + universe, commonly shortened to fedi) is a collection of social networking services that can communicate with each other. Rather than being a thinly-veiled attention whoring and data thieving capitalist cognitohazard, the Fediverse is an actual social network. Its built out of a multitude of federated, autonomous, and decentralized instances. On the Fediverse, we control the infrastructure and moderate ourselves. We gather and share based on our interests and desires, rather than addictive and manipulative algorithms.

  • Fediverse.Party - links and descriptions for the most popular federated sites
  • Fedi.Tips - non-technical guide to using Mastodon and the wider Fediverse
  • Fedi.Directory - human-curated small selection of interesting accounts to help you get started on Mastodon and the Fediverse
  • BonfireNetworks.org - Creating digital spaces we control. No billionaires, no algorithms, no enshittification.

Hardware & Equipment:

  • Askotec - A mobile Open Tech laboratory in a box.
  • ThinkPenguin.com - products, services, documentation, and support needed to confidently utilize free software operating systems
  • mntre.com - Designing & building libre laptops
  • mntre.com - Designing & building libre laptops
  • System76.com - Powerful Linux computers
  • Tiny Budget Mesh Node - from Hackaday.com
  • Iode.Tech - De-Googled Android phones from established manufacturers
  • Murena.com - smartphones and an online workspace that are private, sustainable & open-source
  • System76.com - Powerful Linux computers

Jailbreaking mobile devices

Radio

  • FieldRadio.org - Beginner's Guide to ham radio
  • DXing.com - informative website for radio enthusiasts, originally created by noted author Harry Helms.
  • Fediverse.Radio - a hub for amateur radio operators and communities on the Fediverse
  • RadioDataCenter.net - radio data center
  • PrideRadioNetwork.weebly.com - a multi-mode amateur radio repeater network created by and for the members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Supports all analog and digital voice modes.

Signaling

  • SignsSignalsCodes.pdf - Guide by scouting america covering International Morse Code, Semaphore, Nautical Flags, American Sign Language, Braille, Silent Scout Signals, Trail Markers, Rescue Signals, Signals in Sports and at Work, Sound Signals, Symbols, and Cryptography

ArcHub

Last updated December 2025