In an era where data confidentiality, censorship resistance, and user control are becoming fundamental, this white paper highlights the core differences between Mefesio (a decentralised text messaging platform by Defesio.com) and WhatsApp (a centralised messaging platform by Meta). It compares key characteristics to show why Mefesio is designed as a safer, more privacy-preserving option for text communication.
🔒 Privacy-first design
🕸️ Decentralised architecture
🧩 User-controlled keys
🚫 Reduced metadata exposure
1
Overview
| Feature | Mefesio (Defesio LLC) | WhatsApp (Meta) |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Defesio.com (Independent, privacy-first) | Meta (formerly Facebook Inc.) |
| Messaging Type | Text-only, decentralised & encrypted | Full-featured messaging with central servers |
| Target Audience | Privacy-conscious individuals & organisations | General public, businesses, advertisers |
Plain-language summary
WhatsApp is a widely used centralised platform. Mefesio is designed to reduce third-party control and metadata exposure by using a decentralised model.
2
System Architecture
| Component | Mefesio | |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | Fully decentralised | Centralised (Meta servers) |
| Data Storage | Local + distributed (browser/device/peers) | Meta servers (cloud infrastructure) |
| Server Dependency | Optional relay nodes (no single point of failure) | Fully dependent on Meta-owned infrastructure |
| Censorship Resistance | High – No central node to block | Lower – Platform-controlled and regionally censored |
3
End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)
| Encryption Feature | Mefesio | |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol Used | Advanced end-to-end encryption | Signal Protocol |
| Encryption Scope | All text messages | All messages by default (some exceptions in business chats) |
| Key Generation | User-controlled key pairs | WhatsApp-managed key exchange |
| Key Storage | Local only, never shared | Server-based and device-synced |
| Metadata Encryption | Optional, user-configurable | Not encrypted; metadata is collected |
| Key Rotation | Per-message or session-based (user-defined) | Automatic per-message rotation |
| Forward Secrecy | Supported with configuration | Supported natively |
Note: “Business chat” behaviour can differ depending on how a business configures backups, integrations, or third-party tooling.
4
Privacy & Data Sovereignty
| Privacy Aspect | Mefesio | |
|---|---|---|
| Metadata Collected | None | Yes (timestamps, phone numbers, device data) |
| User Data Retention | Fully under user control | Retained by Meta |
| Business Chat Privacy | Not applicable – No business integrations | Varies; can be stored/shared by businesses |
| AI Interference | None | Meta AI may access messages in business chats |
| Ads & Targeting | Ad-free No data harvesting | Messages may indirectly inform ad targeting |
5
Security Threat Resistance
| Threat Scenario | Mefesio | |
|---|---|---|
| Server Breach Risk | None – no central server | Higher – all data passes through Meta infrastructure |
| Insider Access Risk | None – no backend personnel access | Possible via business services / integrations |
| Government Surveillance or Backdoors | Highly resistant | Possible via lawful access requests |
| Phishing / Account Takeover | Strong with self-custodied key pairs | Phone-based, vulnerable to SIM swap |
| Multi-device Security | Peer-synced manually by user | Cloud-synced via Meta servers |
6
Technical Foundation – Mefesio
- Core Technology: Realtime decentralised messaging network
- Encryption Layer: Built-in cryptographic suite
- Key Ownership: Each user controls their private keys
- Data Model: Conflict-free, peer-synchronised graphs
