CIRCE — Cryptographic IRC Environment

A decentralized, peer-to-peer chat platform with end-to-end PGP/GPG encryption — an open successor to IRC.

What it is

CIRCE combines the channel and nickname model of IRC with modern end-to-end encryption. All cryptography happens on your device using OpenPGP keys you control. Relays route encrypted traffic; they never see plaintext, message contents, or your private keys.

Features

  • End-to-end PGP/GPG-encrypted channels and direct messages
  • Encrypted file transfer with chunked, resumable uploads
  • WebRTC voice channels with peer-to-peer audio
  • Ephemeral "burn" messages with custom TTLs (Signal/Snapchat-style)
  • Optional Tor onion-routed and WireGuard transports for metadata privacy
  • Federated relay model — anyone can run a relay, the protocol is open
  • Built-in bots (mod, help, polls, reminders, link previews, key registry)

What it is not

CIRCE is not a cryptocurrency, token, wallet, or financial product. There is no centralized service or company-controlled server. The "Crypto" in the name refers to cryptography — specifically OpenPGP encryption.

Open source

Source code, protocol documentation, and self-hosting guides: github.com/subinacls/CIRCE

Privacy

CIRCE collects no personal data. All cryptography happens on your device; relays never see plaintext. Read the full privacy policy →

Install the native app

Signed Android APK, F-Droid, Google Play Internal Testing, or Apple TestFlight. Installation & verification guide →