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Latest Signal and WhatsApp breaches show that consumer apps have no place in government

On Monday the General Dutch ⁠Intelligence Agency (AIVD) and Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) announced a sustained Russian-backed

Sustainable decentralised comms at Element

At FOSDEM 2026, Neil Johnson explained why sustainability is essential for open source software - and why it matters even more for decentralised networks like Matrix.

Exploring MatrixRTC: Real time communication in rooms

Members of Element’s VoIP team shared a deep dive into MatrixRTC, the framework bringing real time communication natively into Matrix rooms.

The Digital Omnibus: opportunities and risks for open source

The Digital Omnibus: opportunities and risks for open source

Element’s multi-tenancy TI-Messenger solution secures ‘Good’ rating in gematik commissioned pentest

Gematik’s pentest confirms ESS Pro for TI-M as a multi-tenancy server-side solution that’s ready for a TI-M Pro solution.

Open source is key to Europe’s digital sovereignty

Digital sovereignty isn’t about buying European software - it’s about control and choice. Open source and open standards give governments the ability to operate independently, avoid vendor lock-in, and switch providers when needed. That’s real sovereignty.

Amandine Le Pape

An Element Web for the future

At FOSDEM 2026, the world’s largest open source conference, David Baker and Florian Duros presented an inside look at Element Web - from its early days to the bold plans shaping its future.

The messenger challenge for defence organisations

Real time communication is mission-critical, but legacy systems and consumer apps put defence operations at risk. Here's why national security needs a different approach.

Decoding the hidden trade-offs of E2EE and usability

Decoding end-to-end encryption: Privacy vs. Usability. Read more about the trade-offs and how we work to solve them

Element Pro Web introduces Grid View

Multi-room monitoring, made simple. Element Pro Web now has Grid View, so that you can see, send and track messages across multiple rooms at once.

Danielle Kirkwood

When chat history matters most

As limits land on some free self-hosted collaboration tools, more teams are turning to ESS Community - our free-use, open source Matrix distribution.

Element Call: Redefining conferencing for privacy, scale and sovereignty

At Matrix Conference 2025, Florian, Aaron and Timo showcased how Element Call is bringing secure, federated, and scalable real-time communication to Matrix.

Element X Web: A glimpse into the future

How Element Web is evolving, by bringing the web and desktop version of the Element app in line with the sleek design and usability of Element X on mobile.

Danielle Kirkwood

ESS - Element’s distribution for Matrix deployments

ESS - Element’s distribution for Matrix deployments

Verifying your devices is becoming mandatory

From April 2026, only verified devices can send or receive end-to-end encrypted message on Element.

Element at the Summit on European Digital Sovereignty

We’re delighted to be participating in the Summit on European Digital Sovereignty.

Element X and Pro updates; a glimpse into the future

At The Matrix Conference 2025, I had the opportunity to reveal the evolution and journey to our flagship apps: Element

ESS 25.10: LTS, MAS migration and Element Admin

Element is rolling out ESS 25.10, delivering new LTS releases for ESS Classic, ESS Pro and ESS TI-M, alongside refreshed builds for ESS Community.

Large-scale multi-tenancy hosting for TI-Messenger and beyond

How do you effectively onboard hundreds of thousands of healthcare clinics and pharmacies to Germany’s TI-Messenger?

The move to decentralised systems for mission critical technology

Yesterday’s AWS outage highlights the importance of decentralised communications, and digital sovereignty. Governments simply cannot rely on systems with a single point of failure.

The Matrix Conference 2025; a seminal moment for Matrix

The Matrix Conference 2025 was a huge success, and the energy and enthusiasm was just incredible!

Element Pro: Element X, built specifically for the workplace

Element Pro - our new frontend client built specifically for the workplace! It's the perfect complement to our backend Element Server Suite Pro (ESS Pro).

Welcome to the all new Element Server Suite family of Helm charts!

Introducing the new Helm-based Element Server Suite (ESS) - our family of products designed as an “out-of-the-box” way to deploy, host and maintain a Matrix-based system.

Ready for The Matrix Conference 2025!

We’re ready for The Matrix Conference 2025 - 300+ participants from 20+ countries and 10+ governments - all championing Matrix-based sovereign, secure and interoperable communications.

Element signs Chat Control open letter

Element has joined other European organisations in an open letter to European leaders on the latest developments regarding Chat Control.

Hiding room metadata from servers

Every year, Element takes on a small number of summer interns to work on various research and development projects. Internships

New Element Web and Desktop apps have distinct Element X vibes!

The brand new updates of the Element Web and Desktop apps include a major rework of room listings. It brings

Danielle Kirkwood

TI-Messenger is moving to Matrix 1.15

Gematik recently announced its intention to rebase its TI-Messenger specification on Matrix v1.15, which brings important improvements to TI-Messenger.

Coordinated Matrix security update

A new coordinated security fix for all Matrix server implementations is now published as part of the Matrix 1.16 off‑cycle spec update.

Element Security

Helping to get everyone in their element

Element is now more accessible by design and by default, thanks to more than 40 accessibility improvements.

Danielle Kirkwood

Reality bites the UK government’s push to undermine end-to-end encryption

The UK government’s bruising Apple encounter has, inadvertently, underlined the global support for end-to-end encryption in democratic countries.

TI-Messenger goes live!

It’s a milestone week for Germany’s TI-Messenger initiative as public healthcare insurers go live with their TI-Messenger based solutions!

Addressing fear, uncertainty and doubt thrown at Element and Matrix

We’ve seen a serious uptick in misinformation about Element and Matrix over the last week, so thought it would be useful to set the record straight from Element’s side.

The importance of open standard federation for chat

A genuine open standard is the single most important part of ensuring digitally sovereign communications between multiple separate organisations.

Hacking for a sovereign digital Europe

One of the most exciting highlights from Element at HackDays was the launch of Project Aurora, a bold and experimental prototype web and desktop Matrix client.

Matthew Hodgson

Element powers T-Systems’ TI-Messenger solution

Element Server Suite Pro for TI-Messenger (ESS Pro for TI-M) gives T-Systems a complete backend for its #TI-Messenger solution, delivering outstanding performance, dynamic scaling and continuous security updates.

ESS Pro 25.04 LTS: A renewed commitment to security, stability, and scalability

We’re excited to bring you Element Server Suite (ESS) 25.04 LTS, this month’s release includes a renewed commitment to security, stability, and scalability for enterprise-grade Matrix deployments.

End-to-end encryption

Many vendors claim to offer end-to-end encryption. Most don’t deliver.

Patrick Alberts

MAS migration unleashes Element X on Matrix.org

With MAS having landed on the matrix.org server, Element X is now by far the best way to manage your matrix.org account on mobile.

Introducing ESS TI-Messenger version 1.0 🏥

We're launching our first TI-Messenger compliant edition of Element Server Suite built to suit TI-Messenger for German healthcare.

End-to-end encrypted voice and video for self-hosted community users

Those self-hosting a homeserver outside of ESS will need to deploy their own MatrixRTC infrastructure.

How Element protects against Signalgate style accidental invites

Element Server Suite enables the IT department to integrate Element with the organisation’s existing directory system to securely manage end-users.

Advancing Secure & Convenient Government Communications: The Case for Element

The recent incident involving the inadvertent inclusion of a journalist into a Signal group chat where US officials discussed sensitive

A difficult chat: Messaging apps in Australian government

The Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) produced an excellent report on consumer messaging apps within the Australian government.

Build: Funding open source via commercial licensing

We've created our Build subscription to provide a commercial license that lets you develop proprietary products while supporting the Matrix ecosystem.

Why the Swedish Armed Forces’ switch to Signal misses the mark

Genuine security requires a holistic approach that considers not just encryption but also data governance, accessibility, interoperability...

Element Desktop update for Windows

Hi everyone, Apologies, we had a blip with today’s 1.11.94 Element Desktop app update for Windows (both

Running outdated versions of Synapse is a problem

If you’re still using the old Apache-licensed Synapse version 1.98.0 or older, you’re running unsupported, vulnerable software.

Free software needs free thinking

How the public sector can best support the open source vendors that are working hard to deliver their digital sovereignty.

Amandine Le Pape

Scaling to millions of users requires Synapse Pro

Nation-scale Matrix deployments will fail if built on the community version of Synapse. Huge deployments need a different architecture, which is what Synapse Pro delivers.

In an increasingly volatile world, governments turn to Element and Matrix

Governments need digitally sovereign, secure and interoperable communications. The demand for Matrix is palpable.

Scotland’s brave new world of end-to-end encrypted workplace messaging

The Scottish government has banned the use of WhatsApp. It needs an alternative that’s just as easy to use, but that is built for the workplace.

Synapse Pro slashes costs for running nation-scale Matrix deployments

Synapse Pro is Element’s best practice Matrix homeserver. It transforms the performance and economics of huge public sector deployments.

Senators implore Department of Defense to expand the use of Matrix

Senators Ron Wyden and Eric Schmitt push the Defense Department to expand the use of Matrix to deliver sovereign, end-to-end encrypted and interoperable communications.

Element X is now available with LTS ESS 24.10

We’re excited to announce the release of ESS 24.10, the latest Long-Term Support (LTS) version of the Element Server Suite! This is an important milestone as it brings Element X to customers who require the six monthly LTS releases of ESS.

Experimenting with Matrix 2.0 using element-docker-demo

element-docker-demo gives you a basic Matrix 2.0 implementation. Watch Matthew Hodgson, Element CEO and co-founder of Matrix.org, step through the set up.

Matthew Hodgson

Deep dive into Element X!

Element X is now the mobile app that almost all Element users should be using for messaging; both in the workplace and for personal use.

openDesk enters the chat with Element!

openDesk is an Office & Collaboration Suite for public administration. Element was selected by ZenDiS as the real time communications component.

NATO NI2CE Messenger utilises the power of decentralised communication

NI2CE (NATO Interoperable Instant Communication Environment) is a sovereign and secure messenger that aims to complement existing communication solutions

Adfinis adds Element to its Portfolio of Services

Adfinis, a recognised and internationally active open source provider, and Element, a leading service provider for secure and decentralised real-time communication solutions, are entering into a partnership.

We have lift-off! Element X, Call and Server Suite are ready!

Element is launching the world’s first communications platform based on the upcoming Matrix 2.0 release. The result is blazing performance which outperforms the mainstream alternatives...

Element is combusting with excitement ahead of The Matrix Conference

Element is bursting with pride to be the anchor sponsor of The Matrix Conference, which kicks off on Thursday.

Sustainable licensing at Element with AGPL

We’ve chosen to switch our development to AGPL now that the wide scale public sector use of Matrix has attracted the attention of huge system integrators and similar.

Matthew Hodgson

BSI funds security analysis of Matrix

Matrix performs extremely well in BSI funded audit conducted by MGM Security Partners as part of CAOS initiative.

Element secures ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification

Element has successfully obtained ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, issued by Prescient Security LLC.

Element sponsors public sector track at The Matrix Conference

Excitement around The Matrix Conference is really beginning to build! The Matrix Conference is significant as it’s the first global in-person event that The Matrix.org Foundation has created. It complements the phenomenal Matrix Community Summits that have run since 2022, and...

ESS 24.07: Enhanced deployment health monitoring and next generation authentication

We’re excited to bring you Element Server Suite (ESS) 24.07, this month’s release includes several improvements to make your organisation’s Element experience smoother and more efficient.

Ridgeline International secures Element partnership

Ridgeline International and Element have signed an agreement that makes Ridgeline Element’s primary partner in the US National Security market.

Disney’s Slack breach tells an important story

News of Disney’s alleged Slack breach shows what can happen when organisations trust centralised communications platforms that don’t use end-to-end encryption

Listen, engage and educate; no matter how long it takes

Last week we highlighted a deeply concerning development in the EU’s proposed regulation to combat child sexual abuse (aka Chat Control). The Belgian Presidency of the Council had put forward a proposal which, if agreed on, would take us closer to a world of constant scanning and surveillance.

EU’s Chat Control puts security and privacy at risk

Since it was first proposed, the EU’s Regulation to prevent and combat child sexual abuse (aka Chat Control) has gained the attention of security experts, academics, civil society, and the private sector for all the wrong reasons.

ESS 24.05: now with Element Desktop MSIs!

In our most recent version of ESS 24.05 we’re pleased to offer a Windows MSI (Microsoft Installer) build of Element Desktop. Many larger customers prefer MSI files for software installation.

Security release: Element X Android (0.4.12) and iOS (1.6.7)

We have released security updates for Element X Android and Element X iOS to address a high-severity vulnerability. This flaw

Element Security

Resetting the server-side key backup

What is the server-side key backup? The server-side key backup is an encrypted copy of your Matrix client’s message

Element Security

Data Sovereignty

ESS 24.04 is the new LTS release

We're thrilled to announce the latest long-term support (LTS) release of Element Server Suite (24.04). This release represents a significant leap forward, especially for some of our larger customers who are using our previous LTS release of ESS which came out in October last year.

Video conferencing

Partnership with BigBlueButton for Matrix-based virtual classroom

Announcing a groundbreaking collaboration between Element and BigBlueButton, marking a significant step forward in the realm of video conferencing technology in the education sector.

Security release: Synapse 1.105.1

Today we are releasing Synapse 1.105.1 [https://github.com/element-hq/synapse/releases/tag/v1.105.1], a security

Element Security

UNICC selects Element for secure communications

United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) has selected Element as its secure communications platform, following a competitive tender process.

Secure communications landscape is now ‘Established,’ says Forrester

The new Secure Communications Solutions Landscape Q2 2024 report, from Forrester Research, categorises Secure Communications as an ‘Established’ marketplace.

Showcasing TI-Messenger ESS at DMEA in Berlin

Element is joining Adesso at DMEA 2024 in Berlin, where we will be showcasing the TI-Messenger Element Server Suite (TIM ESS).

Element signs partnership deal with Tele2 for secure collaboration

Tele2, the Swedish network operator, has entered into a partnership agreement with Element. The partnership will see Element being provided

Video conferencing

Secure video conferencing for Matrix

79% percent of technology leaders at large organisations feel their sanctioned video conferencing tools fall short...

The EU Digital Markets Act is here.

🇪🇺 Happy DMA day, everybody! 🇪🇺 March 7th 2024 is the deadline for large messaging providers (so called ‘gatekeepers’) to comply with

Matthew Hodgson

Meet Element R: our new unified crypto implementation

We’ve created a common cryptographic library implementation in Rust - codenamed Element R - for all our Element clients.

Security release: Element Android 1.6.12

Hello, Today we have released a security update of Element Android to address a pair of vulnerabilities. Please upgrade to

Element Security

Data Sovereignty

2024 is about being in your element

In our latest ESS release (24.02), we've been laser-focused on improving our installation process for customers who self-host their servers. Find out the latest updates and stories from behind the scenes.

Danielle Kirkwood

Open letter on CSA regulation

We stand together with other European technology companies and associations to urge EU member states to align their position on the CSA Regulation to that of the Parliament.

Synapse now lives at github.com/element-hq/synapse

Element is switching to use the Affero General Public License (AGPLv3) for its future contributions to Synapse and related backend Matrix projects.

Matthew Hodgson

Data retention controls added to Admin Console!

We’re adding new functionality to Admin Console such as data retention controls, full mobile support for administrators, improvements to our audit capabilities and overall improvements to our installation process.

Element X; now with embedded VoIP!

We’ve made tremendous progress with Element X. It’s just six weeks since the Ignition release and, with this new update, Element Call is now fully embedded!

A new home and license (AGPL) for Synapse and friends

Element has chosen to pursue future development of Synapse, Dendrite and associated server-side projects under the terms of AGPLv3.

Matthew Hodgson

Secure Border Gateway: Enhanced control of your real-time communication data

The Secure Border Gateway for Matrix is a powerful add-on for Element Server Suite that reinforces the security of your data by providing capabilities to address these critical needs.

Long-term support ensures long-term success

Our latest version of Element Server Suite (23.10) is our first release to include long-term support.

Upgrade Element Desktop

Today we have released Element Desktop v1.11.45 which fixes CVE-2023-5217, a high severity vulnerability caused by the Electron dependency.

Element X: Ignition

We're announcing the first major release of Element X synchronised across both iOS and Android.

Patrick Alberts

The Future of Secure Communications

The Future of Secure Communications is available for download. Conducted by Forrester Consulting, the study highlights the serious problems organizations have with how their workforce communicates.

Preparing our customers for a new era of secure communication

Start getting ready for Element Server Suite (ESS) for the new Element X app with ESS v23.09

Element X preview is now on Android too!

We’ve released an early edition of Element X in the Google Play Store.

Matthew Hodgson

Announcing Element Server Suite (23.08): the 1st edition of our new predictable release cadence

Introducing a consistent release cadence for Element Server Suite (23.08) In the world of today’s technology, maintaining a competitive advantage requires us to walk a fine line between innovation and reliability.

Element is accessible by design

Element is creating a more accessible future for everyone. Updates include: optimising the colours, increasing the contrast and enhancing the screen reading functionality.

Danielle Kirkwood

Featured Posts

The EU Digital Markets Act is here.

🇪🇺 Happy DMA day, everybody! 🇪🇺 March 7th 2024 is the deadline

Matthew Hodgson

Gitter is joining Element

When GitLab proposed that Gitter could be stronger as part of the Matrix network, we knew we couldn’t miss the chance!

Amandine Le Pape

Element is the fast, simple and private way to communicate with family, friends, teams, colleagues, organisations and the wider world.

Thanks for reading our blog— if you got this far, you should head toelement.ioto learn more!

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