Whisper Systems
| Industry | Cryptography Computer security |
|---|---|
| Founder | Moxie Marlinspike and Stuart Anderson |
| Headquarters | , |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Website | www |
Whisper Systems produces security and privacy software applications for mobile communications devices running the Android operating system. The company was co-founded by Moxie Marlinspike and Stuart Anderson.[1]
Products
Whisper Systems has produced RedPhone and TextSecure, which both allow for VOIP phone and text (SMS) communications that are not detectable. They have also developed a firewall and tools for encrypting other forms of data.[1][2] RedPhone and products played a role in protester communications during the Arab Spring uprisings.[3]
Acquisition by Twitter
On 28 November 2011, Twitter announced that it had acquired Whisper Systems for an undisclosed amount.[4]
Criticism
Immediately following the acquisition, Whisper System's RedPhone service was made unavailable,[5] though it was later released as open source software in July 2012.[6] Some have criticized this removal, arguing that it was "specifically targeted [to help] people under repressive regimes" and that it left people like the Egyptians in "a dangerous position."[7] Whisper System's TextSecure software was released as open source software about a month after the acquisition by Twitter.[1]
References
- ^ a b c Garling, Caleb (2011-12-20). "Twitter Open Sources Its Android Moxie | Wired Enterprise". Wired.com. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
- ^ "Secure your Android mobile – Use Whisper Systems free security app Whispercore « Technology updates by Techburrp". Techburrp.com. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
- ^ July 29, 2010 (2010-07-29). "How to hide yourself from Google and cell phone carriers". VentureBeat. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
{{cite web}}: Text "Dean Takahashi" ignored (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ November 28, 2011 (2011-11-28). "Twitter acquires Android security startup Whisper Systems". VentureBeat. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
{{cite web}}: Text "Tom Cheredar" ignored (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Andy Greenberg (2011-11-28). "Twitter Acquires Moxie Marlinspike's Encryption Startup Whisper Systems". Forbes. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
- ^ RedPhone is now Open Source! http://www.whispersys.com/updates.html
- ^ Garling, Caleb (2011-11-28). "Twitter Buys Some Middle East Moxie | Wired Enterprise". Wired.com. Retrieved 2011-12-21.