OTR Messaging
OTR (Off-the-Record) Messaging is a cryptographic protocol that provides end-to-end encryption for instant messaging conversations, ensuring confidentiality, authentication, and forward secrecy. It allows users to have private chats where messages cannot be read by third parties, even if the communication channel is compromised. OTR is commonly implemented as a plugin or feature in messaging clients like Pidgin, Adium, or Signal.
Developers should learn OTR Messaging when building or integrating secure communication features in applications, especially for privacy-focused messaging apps, whistleblower platforms, or any system requiring confidential real-time text exchange. It's crucial for scenarios where users need protection against eavesdropping, message tampering, or retrospective decryption, such as in journalism, activism, or sensitive business communications.