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Post-Skype: FLOSS Communication Tools for Privacy-Conscious Professionals
With Skype being retired, many professionals who relied on it for secure, direct communication are now looking for alternatives. We wish to take this opportunity to help people upgrade to Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) tools that respect our rights and don’t compromise our data. This is a guide to help identify tools that protect privacy on both sides—while also being practical and easy to use.
Below is an overview of recommended Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) tools that respect user privacy and autonomy.
Why most Commonly used Tools Are Unsuitable for Private Sessions
While tools like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams are popular and widely accessible, they were not designed with confidentiality and privacy as a priority or primary focus. For professionals such as therapists, educators, and consultants, this poses serious concerns.
Key issues with these tools:
- Extensive metadata and personal data collection: These platforms collect IP addresses, device info, timestamps, and sometimes contact lists—raising privacy concerns for clients and professionals alike.
- Lack of true end-to-end encryption: Many offer only transport encryption, meaning that the service provider can potentially access the content. True E2EE is rare or optional.
- Dependence on accounts and phone numbers: Participants often need to log in using Google/ Microsoft or other accounts, and must sometimes provide phone numbers, which can create barriers or expose private information.
- Unclear data usage policies: Terms of service may allow for the analysis or storage of communications and metadata for “service improvement,” which may conflict with ethical professional standards.
- External cloud-based storage: Conversations and files are routed through corporate infrastructure, beyond our control.
For professionals committed to confidentiality, user consent and autonomy, and professional responsibility, FLOSS tools offer both a safer and ethically principled alternative.
Key Criteria for Choosing a Tool
When choosing an alternative, professionals may be looking for:
- The option to keep their phone number private
- The option to support both one-on-one and group video calls
- Secure messaging and video options
- Ability to schedule appointments or be available for drop-in
- Self-hosting capability (if needed)
- Reliable mobile app
- Ethical data practices (GDPR-compliant, non-extractive)
Summary of FLOSS Alternatives
| Tool | Requires Phone # | Mobile App | Messaging | Group Calls | Self-Hosting | Privacy Strength |
| Jitsi Meet | No | Yes (iOS/Android) | Yes (in-call chat) | Yes (best under 35 users) | Yes | High – Encrypted, browser-based |
| BigBlueButton | No | No (Web only) | Yes (room-based) | Yes (ideal for workshops) | Yes | High – Full server control |
| Signal | Yes, for signing-up, although a username can be used to connect with contacts. | Yes | Yes (end-to-end encrypted) | Yes (up to 8 people) | No | Very High – E2E, privacy-first |
| Jammy | No | No (Web only) | Limited (during sessions) | Yes (best for casual use) | Yes | Medium – Simple and browser-based |
| Nextcloud Talk | No | Yes | Yes (persistent, team-style) | Yes (performance-dependent) | Yes | High – GDPR-focused, excellent for teams |
| Element (Matrix) | No | Yes | Yes (E2E, federated) | Yes (via Jitsi integration) | Yes | Very High – Decentralised, encrypted, robust |
| Use Case | Recommended Tool(s) | Why | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-on-1 therapy or coaching | Signal or Element (Matrix) | Highest level of end-to-end encryption; secure messaging | Signal requires a phone number. Element has a learning curve. |
| Quick drop-in sessions, no setup | Jitsi Meet or Jammy | Browser-based, no install or account needed | Jitsi doesn’t store chat history. Jammy lacks persistent features. |
| Workshops, group classes, or teaching | BigBlueButton | Built for education: whiteboards, recordings, polls | Requires a server or institutional hosting. No mobile app. |
| Ongoing team collaboration | Nextcloud Talk or Element | Offers chat, file sharing, and call continuity | Self-hosting improves performance. Some familiarity with FLOSS helps. |
| Art collectives / informal groups | Jammy or Jitsi Meet | Easy to use, drop-in friendly | Not ideal for long-term coordination or archiving. |
| Civic tech / secure orgs | Element with self-hosted Matrix | Fully decentralised, privacy-first infrastructure | Technical setup required. |
| Mobile-first communication | Signal or Nextcloud Talk | Reliable mobile apps with privacy in mind | Signal = best for phones. Nextcloud = better in full suite. |
If you’d like help choosing or setting up one of these tools, reach out to ELLAK Cyprus on Element. We’re happy to support FLOSS migration in Cyprus and beyond.
This guide was compiled / updated by Chrystalleni Loizidou, Regional Representative of NGI0 (Next Generation Internet Zero), part of a broader effort by the European Commission to promote ethical, privacy-respecting digital infrastructure and Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) in governance, education, and everyday life.
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