How Libras protects you

Ex-Muslims can face family pressure, threats of being outed, sometimes violence. Libras is built around that risk. Here is what the app does today, what comes next, and what we can't do.

Coming soon: what the next versions will add

The sections below describe protections being prepared. They are not available yet.

1. Everyone verifies their identity

Before seeing a single profile, every person verifies their identity: an official ID (ID card, passport or residence permit) and a video selfie, checked by a specialised provider. This blocks fake profiles, minors and people who have already been banned.

• Your real name is never shown. Others see your nickname and a "verified identity" badge.
• Libras does not keep the photo of your ID. We only receive the result, your name, date of birth and document number.
• This information is encrypted with a key kept separate from the database, in an isolated space the app cannot access.
• It is only handed to judicial authorities, on a legal request, in cases of threats, violence or fraud. Every access is logged.
• A banned account cannot come back with the same ID.

2. Discretion

• Photos blurred until you match (on by default). Blurring happens on our servers: the sharp photo is never sent to others before a match.
• Approximate location: rounded to about 5 km on your phone before being sent. You can show only your city.
• Hide from phone numbers: add your family's numbers and the people using them won't see you. Only encrypted fingerprints are compared.
• Hidden countries: your profile doesn't appear to people located in the countries you choose.
• Invisible mode: only people you like can see you.

3. Your phone

• Libras can be installed on your home screen under the name and icon of a calculator, notes or weather app.
• A secret code protects opening the app.
• A shield button (or the Esc key) hides the app instantly.
• Notifications are neutral: never a name or content.
• After 10 wrong codes, data stored on the device is wiped.
• The screen blurs when the app goes to the background.

4. Conversations

• Private messages are end-to-end encrypted on your phone. Our servers only store unreadable text.
• You can compare a "safety number" with your match to check nobody is intercepting your conversation, and you're warned if their key changes.
• Disappearing messages (24 h or 7 days) in one tap.
• Before sending, a warning appears if a message contains insults, threats, or information that could identify you (phone, address, social media).

5. Reporting and moderation

• Reporting blocks the person immediately. They are never notified.
• Threats of outing and violence are handled first. You can attach the messages concerned as evidence.
• An account reported by several people is suspended automatically pending human review.
• Group chats are not end-to-end encrypted, so they can be moderated. This is shown in every group.

6. Safe dates

Before a first date, choose a trusted person: they receive the place and time by text message (with no mention of Libras or religion). During the date, the app regularly checks that you're OK. If you don't answer, or if you hold the alert button, your trusted person is alerted with your last location.

What we can't do

• Prevent screenshots: that's impossible for a web app. Don't share anything you wouldn't want to circulate before you trust someone.
• Guarantee someone's real identity: stay careful, meet in a public place.
• Protect a phone that is already compromised (spyware installed by a relative, for example).

In immediate danger: emergency numbers and resources.