Databag

Databag is an open-source, self-hosted messenger designed for decentralized and federated communication. It allows users to host their own server nodes while maintaining the ability to communicate with accounts hosted on different nodes. The system is deployed as a server application and is accessed via a web browser or mobile applications on Android and iOS, with availability on F-Droid and standard app stores.

Communication is organized around topic-based threads rather than individual contacts, supporting an unlimited number of participants per thread. The software uses websockets for push events to ensure low latency and avoid constant polling. It is designed to be lightweight and consumes minimal hosting resources, making it compatible with low-power hardware such as a Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3.

Key features

• Federated architecture allowing communication between different server nodes
• End-to-end encryption to prevent server administrators from viewing sealed topics
• Public-private key based identity independent of domains or blockchains
• Audio and video calling via WebRTC with STUN/TURN relay support
• Topic-based message organization instead of contact-based lists
• Multi-factor authentication integration with TOTP applications
• Support for unlimited accounts per hosting node
• Mobile alerts for new contacts and calls via UnifiedPush, FCM, and APN

The server is written in Golang and the frontend utilizes React and React Native. Deployment is typically handled via Docker containers for amd64 and arm64 architectures, though manual installation is possible on OpenWrt or AWS. The software can be integrated into various container services including CapRover, CasaOS, Unraid, Runtipi, Kubero, and Umbrel. For audio and video functionality, the system integrates with external relay servers like coturn or Cloudflare to handle NAT traversal.

Databag serves as a decentralized communication tool for users seeking self-sovereign identity and encrypted messaging through a federated network.