Privatext launches for Android, promises ultra-secure expiring messages

In the wake of Snapchat’s security concerns related to the partial leak of 4.6 million user phone numbers, we imagine there are a number of folks that now consider themselves former-Snapchat fans, with no plans to go back to using the service.

To Snapchat’s credit, they have since released an app update and an apology of sorts, but arguably the damage is already done. For those that liked the idea of expiring messages but aren’t so keen on Snapchat, there are a few alternatives out that offer a similar experience. One of these alternatives is Privatext, a service that first launched for iOS back in June and has now finally made its way over to Android.

The idea behind Privatext is to create a secure platform for sending messages that you don’t want to leave behind a record of. Privatext promises that it does not ever save the messages sent through its service, making them completely unrecoverable. This kind of service could come in handy when sending privileged information to colleagues, friends and family such as passwords, credit card numbers or whatever have you. Of course you can also send basic pictures and text messages.

What makes this different than Snapchat? In the words of Privatext’s CEO Justin Schwartz:

Privatext is for smartphone users who value their privacy and aren’t comfortable with every message they ever send being saved permanently. People may look to lump us in with other trending apps such as Snapchat because one of our many features is expiring picture messaging, but while other apps are catering to kids sharing pictures, Privatext is ushering in a communication revolution. Privatext isn’t for 12 year olds taking selfies. It’s for adults looking for a fast, simple, and exciting way to communicate with their friends, colleagues and family members without strangers having access to their messages.

Having Privatext is a symbol of status. It means you’re important enough to send messages that are worth keeping private. If you’ve ever set a password on your phone, you should be using Privatext.

According to the app’s description, some of the other features for the service include ‘confirmation texting’ that ensures you are sending your text to the right person and unique encoding that is said to make it impossible for messages to be copied, saved or intercepted. There’s even an option to add an extra layer of security by adding password protection to the messages you send.

In their official press release for their Android launch, Privatext was sure to point out that the service has become popular among some celebrities as well, with Brad Delson of Linkin Park and Adam Richman of “Man vs. Food” both endorsing the service.

For more details, check out the official press release below or take a look at the company’s FAQ. To grab the free app and try it out for yourself, you’ll want to head over to Google Play.