VANISH PRIVATE CHAT GUIDE
Chat metadata, explained
Encryption protects message content, but operating a web service still reveals limited surrounding information.
Content and metadata differ
Message content is what you write. Metadata can include when a request arrived, its approximate size, a random room identifier, expiry, and network information needed to deliver and protect the service.
What Vanish stores
The live service stores encrypted payloads with random identifiers and expiry data. It also uses rotating rate-limit identifiers derived from network information.
Reduce exposure
Use short lifetimes, avoid identifiable details in messages, protect invite links, and keep devices and browsers updated.
What encryption changes
The application server receives ciphertext rather than readable message text. Encryption does not hide that a request happened, its approximate size, timing, or every network-routing detail.
Before you start
Do I need an account to create a room?
No. Create a free temporary room in your browser and share its complete secret invite directly.
Can recipients keep copies after expiry?
Yes. Room expiry stops access through Vanish, but it cannot erase screenshots or other copies made by recipients.