'Anti-NSA' messaging service MegaChat debuts in beta version

Mega has uploaded the first beta-version MegaChat, an audio and video chat platform promising more secure communications thanks to end-to-end encryption. The service can be used through any web browser.

Mega has uploaded the first beta-version MegaChat, an audio and video chat platform promising more secure communications thanks to end-to-end encryption. The service can be used through any web browser.

In response to the scandal surrounding the NSA's global surveillance program, Mega and its famous founder Kim Dotcom decided to develop an entirely secure, browser-based messaging app.

While the initial beta version supports only audio and video chat, MegaChat will eventually also include text chat, video conferencing and high-speed file transfers, all with end-to-end encryption.

MegaChat is the latest in a growing list of services responding to privacy fears after the NSA scandal, which aroused suspicion of more institutionalized, less secure communications platforms. These new services are positioned as alternatives for anyone interested in protecting their anonymity and privacy online, at least in principle.

Last spring, John McAfee launched Chadder, a mobile app claiming to offer confidential chat communications by fully encrypting each private message. Several encrypted email services have also recently been launched -- A/I (Autistici/Inventati), Lavaboom -- most of which target web specialists and political activists.

With MegaChat, Kim Dotcom hopes to challenge the current leaders such as Skype (Microsoft) and Hangouts (Google), as well as other newcomers like WhatsApp, which recently launched its own browser-based version.

Registered Mega users can try the platform for free at mega.