chatswhere

Chatswhere is a conceptual open protocol and service designed to enable discovery and participation in real-time text conversations across multiple chat networks. It aims to decouple the act of finding relevant discussions from the act of joining them, by using a decentralized directory of topics and rooms while keeping message content on end-to-end encrypted channels between participants. The project emphasizes interoperability, user choice, and privacy in cross-network communication.

Architecturally, chatswhere comprises directory nodes, client libraries, and bridge components. Directory nodes publish subject indexes (topics, room identifiers, and access rules) and help route discovery requests to appropriate rooms. Clients implement search, join, and post flows, while bridges permit optional interoperability with existing chat networks through adapters. Messages travel over encrypted transport, with payloads controlled by participants' encryption keys.

Common features include topic-based discovery, room creation and moderation, access controls, threading, and optional archiving. The system is designed for federated operation, so rooms can exist across multiple network backends, with moderation and governance policies enforced locally by room administrators and supported by the site's directory.

Adoption of chatswhere remains experimental and niche. It has been explored by privacy-focused communities and researchers interested in cross-network interoperability. Practical deployment depends on consensus among participating networks to implement connectors, maintain directories, and agree on encryption standards.

Security and privacy considerations center on end-to-end encryption, minimization of metadata exposure, and user-controlled visibility in the directory. Potential risks include directory leakage of user interests, abuse in poorly moderated rooms, and reliance on directory integrity for discovery results. Proper configuration and auditing are essential for trustworthy use.