End-to-End Encryption
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a security method where data is encrypted on the sender's device and only decrypted on the recipient's device, preventing intermediaries like service providers or hackers from accessing the plaintext. It ensures that communication remains private between the intended parties, with encryption keys typically stored locally on user devices rather than on central servers. This approach is widely used in messaging apps, file sharing, and secure communications to protect confidentiality and integrity.
Developers should implement end-to-end encryption when building applications that handle sensitive user data, such as private messaging, financial transactions, healthcare records, or any scenario requiring strong privacy guarantees. It is crucial for compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, and for building user trust in products where data breaches could have severe consequences. Use cases include secure chat apps (e.g., Signal), encrypted email services, and cloud storage with client-side encryption.