Element

Secure communications built on the decentralised Matrix open standard.

Freemium

Description

Element is a decentralized, self-hosted communications solution designed to meet the security and sovereignty needs of organizations and public sector entities. Built on the Matrix open standard, it provides end-to-end encrypted messaging, interoperable collaboration, and compliance-driven features for enterprises, governments, and mission-critical sectors.

By empowering users to host their own infrastructure, Element ensures independence from vendor lock-in and centralized platforms while delivering resilient, high-availability communications across web and mobile clients.

Key Features

Decentralization: Built on the Matrix open standard with no central point of failure
End-to-End Encryption: Secure messaging and voice/video calls by default
Self-Hosting: Full control over infrastructure and data for organizations
Air-Gapped Deployment: Operates without internet connectivity for sensitive environments
Interoperability: Federated communication with other Matrix-based systems and across organizations
Compliance: Supports ISO/IEC 27001, OpenChain, Cyber Resilience Act, and accessibility standards
Branding & Customization: Whitelabelled apps, custom domains, and organizational controls
Enterprise Features: Advanced identity management, auditing, reporting, and retention policies
High Availability: Auto-scaling, rolling updates, and resistance to global outages
Open Source: AGPL-licensed community edition and transparent codebase

Use Cases

Government department secure communications
Enterprise workplace messaging and collaboration
Cross-border and inter-organization data exchange
Air-gapped and high-side network collaboration
Military and coalition partner communication
Compliance-driven messaging for regulated industries
Open source alternative to Teams, Slack, WhatsApp, or Signal

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Element open source?

Yes, Element’s community edition is open source under the AGPL license, offering free access to both frontend and backend software.

What is the difference between Community and Enterprise plans?

The Community plan is intended for non-professional, self-hosted deployments and evaluations, while the Enterprise plan offers enhanced security, compliance, support, and management features for professional use.

Can Element be used in air-gapped environments?

Yes, Element provides air-gapped deployment options that operate without internet connectivity, ensuring complete digital sovereignty and security.

What compliance certifications does Element support?

Element is compliant with ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO/IEC 5230 (OpenChain), Cyber Essentials Plus, and accessibility standards such as WCAG AA 2.2 and EN 301 549.

How does Element ensure secure communications?

Element uses end-to-end encryption by default, decentralized infrastructure with no central point of failure, and advanced federation controls to protect data and privacy.