Shortwave is a free, open-source, and self-hosted platform that allows users to send and receive encrypted messages, files, and more, all while maintaining complete control over their data and privacy.

Shortwave uses a decentralized architecture, where users host their own servers, and messages are encrypted end-to-end, ensuring that only the intended recipient can read the contents, and no third-party can access or intercept the data.

Yes, Shortwave prioritizes security and privacy, employing robust encryption protocols, such as NaCl and TLS, to safeguard user data, and regularly conducts security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Currently, Shortwave is accessible via web browsers on desktop and laptop devices, but the development team is actively working on creating native mobile apps for Android and iOS, to provide a seamless Shortwave experience on-the-go.

To begin, users need to set up their own Shortwave instance by downloading and installing the software on their server or cloud provider, then following the provided documentation and guides to configure and customize their instance.

Shortwave provides a range of features, including end-to-end encrypted messaging, group chats, file sharing, and more, all designed to provide a secure and private communication experience, while also being highly customizable to meet individual user needs.