ChatAlone: an offline anonymous messaging application for enhanced privacy and open communication

• Main Author: Lin, Run Yu
• Other Authors: Owen Noel Newton Fernando
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Computer and Information Science; ChatAlone; Offline; Anonymous; Messaging application; Enhanced privacy; Open communication
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/181194
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Chat applications such as WhatsApp, WeChat, and Telegram have become ubiquitous in our daily interactions in our digital era. However, these applications compromise user anonymity by requiring personal information and a constant internet connection. While there are many anonymous chat applications available, they lack certain features such as multi-language interface and playing games. This project aims to create ChatAlone, a Bluetooth-based chat application that allows users to communicate anonymously without needing Wi-Fi or cellular data. By utilizing Bluetooth's shorter range, ChatAlone enhances privacy by reducing eavesdropping chances. It is developed using Flutter and can send text messages, send images and play games. However, ChatAlone is likely to be misused due to anonymity. To combat this, an offensive content filter is implemented to prevent offensive content from being sent. ChatAlone supports English, Simplified Chinese, Malay, and Tamil and is available on Android and iOS devices.