Developers build Tox protocol for ‘more secure’ Skype alternative

A number of developers are working on Tox, a protocol that should enable more secure internet applications using encryption. One of the applications being developed on top of Tox is a communication tool similar to Skype.

The developers began development on Tox shortly after the initial Snowden revelations. The developers use a variety of publicly available code to develop the Tox protocol, including bittorrent components and the NaCL encryption library. Applications are also being developed based on the Tox protocol, such as messaging clients and VoIP applications. However, according to Wired, most of the focus is on developing an application released under the name µTox that resembles Skype.

The µTox application works on the basis of a proven encryption method with a public key and a private key. Contacts can be added to the ‘Skype clone’ using the public key. VoIP conversations and chat conversations can then be conducted that are completely encrypted.

The developers say they want to develop more secure communication software with the Tox protocol as a basis. However, part of the Tox development team comes from the infamous 4Chan forum, which has sparked skepticism in security circles. However, the developers claim that they want to have their protocol subjected to an audit once it has been found to be sufficiently mature. The group also now operates via GitHub and other groups are busy building software based on the Tox protocol.