Messaging

Maskr supports two forms of real-time communication: private encrypted direct messages between individuals, and a global public World Chat room open to everyone.

Direct messages

DMs on Maskr use Nostr Kind 4 encrypted direct message events. Message content is encrypted end-to-end before it ever leaves your device, so relay operators cannot read your conversations.

To start a conversation, open the Messages tab and enter the recipient's npub (Nostr public key) or their NIP-05 address (e.g. alice@maskr.space). Maskr resolves the NIP-05 address to an npub automatically.

Messages support:

  • Plain text.
  • File and image attachments.
  • Emoji via the inline emoji picker.

Encryption details

Maskr implements the NIP-04 standard for DM encryption. Under NIP-04, message content is encrypted with a shared secret derived from the sender's private key and the recipient's public key using ECDH.

  • Extension users (e.g. Alby, nos2x) — encryption and decryption happen entirely inside the browser extension. Your private key never leaves the extension.
  • Passkey and OAuth users — key operations are handled server-side by Maskr, since these account types do not expose a raw private key to the browser.

World Chat

World Chat is a public chat space visible to all Maskr users. It supports multiple channels — including geographic channels based on your location and custom topic-based channels. It is designed as a low-friction place to have open, real-time conversations with the community — no follow required.

Messages in World Chat are not encrypted; they are broadcast publicly like posts. Access World Chat from the Messages tab or the dedicated /world page.

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