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NOW AVAILABLE · EU-BUILT · 2026

Scams, bullying, abuse:
checked before they reach your family.

KindChat is the encrypted messenger with a guard built in. It checks your messages for scams, bullying and grooming and holds back on your phone what it recognises, before it reaches the people you love. On the way, your message is end-to-end encrypted.

Built in Germany · Bound by EU privacy law
BUILT ON STANDARDS YOU CAN TRUST
  • Signal Protocol
  • Moderation on the device first
  • Hosted in the EU
  • No tracking

THE PROBLEM NOBODY FIXED

Two age groups,
the same weak spot.

Encryption keeps strangers out. It does nothing about the bullying, the scams, or the message that made your kid go quiet.

CHILDREN

At eight in the evening a child reads a message from the class chat, alone. An insult, a picture nobody wanted.

Insults, bullying, grooming, unwanted images, urges to self-harm.

OLDER PEOPLE

In the afternoon a grandmother gets a message from an unknown number: “Hi Grandma, I have a new phone. Can you quickly transfer me some money?”

Grandparent scam, fake links, account numbers, requests for money.

1 in 3

teens are bullied in private chats no one can see.

CYBERBULLYING RESEARCH CENTER, 2024

€8.6B

lost to chat scams every year.

GLOBAL ANTI-SCAM ALLIANCE, 2024

ENCRYPTION IS TABLE STAKES. PROTECTION ISN'T.

They lock the door.
KindChat guards what's inside.

WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal all encrypt your chats. KindChat checks and holds back what it recognises.

End-to-end encryption

WhatsApp
Telegram Opt-in only
Signal
KindChat

Checks for scams and holds back what it recognises

WhatsApp
Telegram
Signal
KindChat

Checks for bullying & harassment and holds back what it recognises

WhatsApp
Telegram
Signal
KindChat

Checks for grooming and holds back what it recognises

WhatsApp
Telegram
Signal
KindChat

Filters unsolicited explicit images

WhatsApp
Telegram
Signal
KindChat

No tracking, no selling of data

WhatsApp
Telegram
Signal
KindChat

Built & hosted in the EU

WhatsApp
Telegram
Signal
KindChat

Comparison reflects each app's default behaviour, 2026. Encryption isn't the difference. What happens to the harmful message is.

BUILT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO GET TARGETED

The same threat, handled four ways.

Scammers, bullies and predators pick their targets. The same protection for everyone, without people at KindChat secretly reading your chats.

  • Your kids

    Grooming and bullying the check recognises are caught before they land. Without you reading a word.

  • Your parents

    The fake "hi mum," the bank text, the crypto "friend." What the check recognises as a scam is blocked before it is seen.

  • You

    Group chats without the pile-ons. A DM that can't turn into an unwanted explicit image. Quiet you can feel.

  • Everyone

    One fair standard for all. Real privacy, built in the EU.

THE DEBATE

Chat control offers a false choice.

The question is not whether people get protected. It is where the check happens.

THE PROPOSAL

Regulation against child sexual abuse

European Commission, 2022. COM(2022) 209, procedure 2022/0155(COD). Still under negotiation in the EU. So far only the interim Regulation (EU) 2026/1881 has passed: it allows voluntary scanning until April 2028 and explicitly exempts end-to-end encrypted communication.

At its centre: child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and grooming, the deliberate approach to children.

THE DISPUTE

Protection only with a master key?

Checking messages in transit needs a backdoor in the encryption or a central decryption key that could open private chats.

That is the heart of the dispute over the permanent regulation.

KindChat shows that both are possible: protection for children and older people without weakening encryption. No backdoor, no master key.

HOW THE PROTECTION WORKS

Checked on your phone.
Then sealed, end to end.

The check starts on the devices, in the half second before “send”. If the device is unsure, and in some languages (such as French and Turkish) for most messages, our own server in the EU checks as well, without your identity; the text is stored only with your consent. Nothing is checked in transit.

  1. 01

    The sender's device

    The message is still in plain text. The app checks it for risky patterns before it is encrypted. If it is unsure, cannot yet judge the language on its own, or the device lacks the memory for it, a KindChat server in the EU checks the text and the messages before it, without your account ID; the text is stored only with your consent to “Help improve moderation”, and then pseudonymised. The app can warn or hold the message back.

  2. 02

    In transit

    End-to-end encrypted with the Signal Protocol. On the way your message is sealed; our server holds no key to it.

  3. 03

    The recipient's device

    After decryption the message is checked a second time before it is shown. Two checks, with the message end-to-end encrypted in between. Even a tampered app on the sender's side cannot get past this second check.

The sender sees which rule applied. The message stays in their input field. Neither a backdoor nor a master key is needed for that.

DETECTION ON THE DEVICE

What KindChat detects and holds back.

Two families of patterns, one check. It runs for texts, images, videos and (from version 1.1.14) documents, before they are sent and when they arrive.

Abuse

  • Hate
  • Insults
  • Threats
  • Bullying
  • Grooming
  • Unwanted images
  • Self-harm

Scam patterns

  • Grandparent scam
  • Links and URLs
  • Account numbers
  • Phone numbers
  • Requests for money

Warning and holding back happen on the device. If the device is unsure, cannot yet judge the language on its own, or lacks the memory for it, it asks our own server in Europe for a second opinion, with the messages before it and without your account ID. The text is stored there only with your consent to “Help improve moderation”, and then pseudonymised.

The same mechanism protects children from abuse and older people from scams.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE ON THE PHONE

Two examples: grooming hint and self-harm.

No blame, no reading along. In the moment that counts, the app lays a calm card over the chat. The examples show an Irish number, which sees these helplines from version 1.1.14.

RECIPIENT

Grooming hint

The app recognises the pattern on the child's device and lays a calm help card over the chat. The sender learns nothing.

SENDER

Self-harm

On send, the app pauses before the message leaves the device and shows help right away. No blame, no reading along.

THREE LAYERS

Prevention, reporting and law enforcement work together.

  • Technical prevention

    Checks on the sender's and the recipient's device. When the check recognises a harmful message, it is held back before it reaches anyone.

    ON THE DEVICE · BEFORE ENCRYPTION

  • In-app reporting

    Messages, images, calls and groups can be reported straight from the app; the reported person does not learn by whom. A human reviews every report. The same for children, parents and older users.

    DSA ART. 16 · NOTICE AND ACTION

  • Referral to the authorities

    Where there is suspicion of a criminal offence threatening someone's life or safety, we inform the competent authorities, in Germany the BKA. Reviewed and filed by people, never automatically. Without access to encrypted communication.

    DSA ART. 18 · COMPETENT AUTHORITIES

A response to concrete incidents instead of blanket screening of every message.

EU YOUTH-PROTECTION PROPOSAL · SEPTEMBER 2026

What the EU is now proposing has been built into KindChat from day one.

In September 2026 the European Commission proposed rules for social networks: no addictive design, no recommender algorithms, real protection for minors. KindChat is a messenger and is not covered by that proposal. We built it this way anyway.

How the app is built

  • No endless scrolling The Pulse feed ends. At the bottom it says: you are up to date.
  • No recommender algorithms Posts appear by time, never by popularity. No trending, no reach as a currency.
  • No livestreaming It does not exist, for anyone. And nothing is forwarded to strangers.
  • Quiet hours you set yourself You decide when notifications stop. In groups they apply to everyone.
  • No tracking, no profiling No analytics SDKs, no behavioural profile, nothing passed to ad networks or data brokers.

What the standard blocks

  • Pornography and explicit content Explicit descriptions, sexting, unwanted nudes. Affection and romance stay allowed.
  • Hate and incitement Demeaning groups, dehumanisation, incitement. Strong political opinions stay allowed.
  • Attacks on people An insult aimed at a person is blocked. A swear word aimed at nobody is not.
  • Grooming and manipulation Grooming patterns, isolating, pushing for secrecy. Judged across the conversation, not on a single message.
  • Scams and fraud Investment schemes, fake winnings, the relative who suddenly needs money.

The check runs on your phone, before the message is encrypted. And once more on the device that receives it.

The EU KIDS Act is a European Commission proposal of 17 September 2026 and is not yet law. We claim no compliance and carry no seal; we describe how KindChat is built.

EVERYTHING YOU EXPECT, PLUS THE PART YOU DON'T

A full messenger. With a conscience.

  • Civility protection

    Insults, bullying, scams and bad images the check recognises are caught on your device. The same fair standard for everyone.

  • True end-to-end encryption

    Chats, groups, photos, videos and (from version 1.1.14) documents sealed with the Signal Protocol, with post-quantum keys. Calls are end-to-end encrypted when both people have KindChat 1.1.14 or newer; with an older version they stay encrypted, without key confirmation, and KindChat from version 1.1.14 shows a notice. Not yet end-to-end: display names, group names, group pictures and reactions. Our server reads messages to KindChat Support, and a report hands over the reported message.

  • Encrypted voice & video

    Crystal-clear 1:1 calls that the server only relays and never records. What's said stays between you.

  • Pulse, your circle only

    A feed seen only by your own contacts. No strangers, no algorithm, no public stage to perform on.

  • Your Care Circle

    One plan covers your whole family. Six people, with the same protection features. Peace of mind for everyone you love.

  • No tracking. Ever.

    You sign up with a phone number, never your address book. You're the customer, not the product.

FOR THE PEOPLE YOU WORRY ABOUT

Hand your teen a phone, and a Care Circle with it.

One plan protects up to six people, without you reading a single message. Not surveillance. A guardrail that respects their privacy as much as it protects them.

  • Bullying and grooming the check recognises are caught before they land
  • You see no messages, and we do not secretly read chats
  • One plan, six people, zero compromises on privacy
Get the app

THE CARE CIRCLE

The same protection for everyone. No reading along by the Care Circle.

  • M Mum Protected · Admin
  • E Emma · 16 Protected
  • N Noah · 16 Protected
  • 3 more seats free

FREE · PLUS · CARE CIRCLE

Safety is the same in every plan. And never paid for.

KindChat is free, with full protection for everyone. Plus and the Care Circle add comfort on top: more storage, bigger groups, more extras. They change nothing about the protection.

  • Free

    €0

    Full protection and every core feature. Free forever.

  • Plus

    €2.99/month

    or €27.99/year

    All comfort extras for one person.

  • Care Circle

    €5.99/month

    or €59/year

    One subscription for up to 6 people, each with full Plus.

The essentials at a glance

The essentials at a glance
Feature Free Plus Care Circle
Civility check: insults, hate, threats, scams, sexual content, grooming, bullying, self-harm, nude images, manipulation Included Included Included
End-to-end encryption, safety numbers, app lock Included Included Included
No reading along, no location tracking, no remote control Included Included Included
Create your own groups Up to 5 members Larger groups Larger groups
Plus extras: unlimited storage, time capsules, events, polls Not included Included Included
One subscription for up to 6 people, each with full Plus Not included Not included Included

Receiving is never limited: everything a Plus or Care Circle account sends arrives in full on every Free account.

Every feature in detail

Each row shows what Free, Plus and the Care Circle include. Only comfort features are paid. Receiving, voting, RSVPs and taking part are always free.

Protection & privacy

Protection & privacy
Feature Free Plus Care Circle
Civility check on your device, before encryption Included Included Included
Checked again on arrival, against tampered apps Included Included Included
End-to-end encryption with the Signal Protocol Included Included Included
Safety numbers to verify your contacts Included Included Included
App lock Included Included Included
Discreet app icon A safety feature, so it is always free Included Included Included
Report, block and appeal Included Included Included
No tracking, no address-book upload Included Included Included

Messages, calls & Pulse

Messages, calls & Pulse
Feature Free Plus Care Circle
Unlimited 1:1 chats Included Included Included
Photos and videos Included Included Included
1:1 voice and video calls, encrypted Included Included Included
Pulse: the feed for your contacts only Included Included Included
Join groups of any size Included Included Included
Receive everything: forwards, polls, events, lists, time capsules Voting, RSVPs and signing up are always included Included Included Included

Storage & history

Storage & history
Feature Free Plus Care Circle
Storage for chats and media 5 GB Unlimited Unlimited
Message history on the server Delivered messages. A one-to-one message that stays undelivered for 30 days is deleted on every plan. 30 days Unlimited Unlimited
Send photos and videos in high quality (up to 4 MP) Not included Included Included
Send documents (PDF, TXT/CSV, Excel, Word) From version 1.1.14. Receiving and opening are free for everyone Not included Included Included

Groups & organising

Groups & organising
Feature Free Plus Care Circle
Create your own groups Joining is always free for everyone Up to 5 members Larger groups Larger groups
Pin messages in a group 1 10 10
Pin chats 1 Unlimited Unlimited
Announcement mode: only admins write Reading, reacting and turning it off are free for everyone Not included Included Included
Quiet hours and messages per day per member Reading, reacting and turning them off are free for everyone Not included Included Included
Saved welcome message for new members Not included Included Included
Create polls Voting is free for everyone Not included Included Included
Create time polls Answering is free for everyone Not included Included Included
Create event cards with RSVPs RSVPs and adding to your calendar are free for everyone Not included Included Included
Create "who brings what" lists Signing up is free for everyone Not included Included Included

Personal extras

Personal extras
Feature Free Plus Care Circle
Special dates: birthdays and anniversaries with reminders Included Included Included
Private notes on contacts 3 contacts Unlimited Unlimited
Time capsules: messages that open on a day you choose Opening one is free for everyone Not included Included Included
Send messages later Not included Included Included
Greeting-card templates for special dates Writing your own greeting stays free Not included Included Included
Starred messages in one list across all chats Starring in each chat is free for everyone Not included Included Included
Photo studio: filters, text and stickers Cropping and rotating are free for everyone Not included Included Included
Forward messages and photos (to up to 5 chats) Receiving forwards is free for everyone Not included Included Included
Save photos from chats to your gallery Not included Included Included
Chat themes and wallpapers Not included Included Included
Decorative app icons Not included Included Included
Public invite code One-time invites are free for everyone Not included Included Included
Supporter badge on your profile Not included Included Included

The Care Circle

The Care Circle
Feature Free Plus Care Circle
One subscription for up to 6 people Not included Not included Included
Every seat with full Plus Not included Not included Included
Help with setup and contacts, only with consent Not included Not included Included

Purchase and cancellation in the app via the App Store or Google Play. Prices include VAT.

THE QUESTION EVERYONE ASKS

"Wait. If KindChat checks my messages,
can it read them?"

Not on the way. And people at KindChat do not secretly read your chats.

The check runs on the device first, before encryption, the way spellcheck works inside the app. If the phone is unsure, cannot yet judge the language on its own, or lacks the memory for it, it asks a KindChat server in Europe for a second opinion, on a server we run ourselves, with the messages before it and without your account ID. The text is stored only with your consent to “Help improve moderation”, and then pseudonymised. On the way the message is sealed; our server holds no key to it. Our team can read only what you write to Support, what someone reports, a held-back text you send us yourself with “This was fine”, and, with your consent, the pseudonymised texts of our server check.

  • Checked on-device first
  • No content in server logs
  • End-to-end encrypted

STATUS

Available, free, in conversation.

€0

All core and protection features are free of charge.

Berlin

Developed and operated in Germany by sonrisa ventures GmbH.

Several German states

Parent councils and schools have invited us; the first meetings are under way.

We are currently showing KindChat to parents, schools and child-protection organisations. Facts, quotes and screenshots: kindchat.app/en/press

Time to chat in peace.

KindChat is here. Free for iPhone and Android, with no tracking. Get the app and bring the people who matter most.

Questions, answered

Is this a kids' app or a parental-control tool?

Neither. It's a full messenger for everyone from 16 (in India from 18) who wants a respectful tone and real privacy. In the European Economic Area, the US and Canada it also works under 16, but only inside an adult's Care Circle: they approve new contacts and see no messages, calls or locations. In the European Economic Area we recommend KindChat from age 13. The same standard applies to all. There's no monitoring dashboard: parents see no chats, and on the way they are end-to-end encrypted.

Doesn't filtering messages break encryption?

No. That's the whole trick. The check runs on your device before the message is encrypted, the way spellcheck reads what you type. Then it is sealed with the Signal Protocol; our server holds no key to it. Not end-to-end encrypted are the Support chat, reported messages and, for now, display names, group names, group pictures and reactions. If your phone is unsure, cannot yet judge the language on its own, or lacks the memory for it, it asks for a second opinion; what is checked then is the text in question and up to five messages before it, without your account ID. That second opinion comes from a KindChat server in Europe that we run ourselves, not from an outside service. The text is stored there only if you have turned on “Help improve moderation” in Settings, and then pseudonymised.

Is it censorship? Who decides what's "kind"?

It targets clear harm: insults, bullying, scams, unsolicited explicit images. Not opinions or hard conversations. In sensitive moments it nudges rather than blocks. The standard is the same for everyone, transparent, and appealable under EU rules.

Where is my data, and who can see it?

Our servers are in Germany, hosted by sub-processors in the EU. Moderation checks messages primarily on your device. Only push notifications (Apple, Google), SMS to a few countries outside the EU (initially Turkey) and, from app version 1.1.11, the device check at sign-in, from 1.1.13, once we switch it on, also on invite SMS (Apple, Google) go through US providers. Message content is not sent to any of these providers and is not in logs or notifications; from app version 1.1.11, not in crash reports either. You sign up with a phone number, never your address book. No tracking, and we do not sell your data.

How do I get KindChat, and what does it cost?

KindChat is free on the App Store (iPhone, iOS 15 or later) and on Google Play (Android 10 or later). Full protection is always included and never sits behind a paywall. If you want more comfort, you can upgrade to KindChat Plus in the app.

More questions? Read the full FAQ

WHY WE BUILT KINDCHAT

Encryption protected the message. It left the person on their own. We built KindChat to protect both.

Get the app