End-to-End (E2E) Encryption

End-to-End (E2E) Encryption is a feature of communication networks whose messages are only decipherable by the sender and receiver. End-to-End encryption allows users to communicate securely with others without trusting any third parties.

When a message is end-to-end encrypted, the sender encrypts the message using the receiver’s public key, such that no third party, not even the messaging platform, can decrypt the message. This allows users to use centralized servers to facilitate communications without worrying that their communications will be intercepted, compromised, or exposed due to a warrant.

Most digital communication is facilitated by a third party who transmits communications between parties. When you send an email, the email is sent to a server, such as Google, who then distributes it to the receiver. Without E2E encryption, the server or any third party with access to the server can easily read the email.