SimpleX Chat has released v6.5, introducing SimpleX Channels — a new model for online publishing built around participation privacy. Unlike traditional messaging platforms, channel content remains visible to relay operators while the identities of both channel owners and subscribers stay hidden. Each channel uses multiple relays, preventing any single operator from blocking access.

The architecture inverts conventional approaches. Rather than attempting to hide publicly available content from operators while exposing participants, SimpleX designed protocols that protect people first. Anyone can join a public channel via link and see content, but cannot identify senders or other readers. This works because SimpleX built its network without user profile identifiers — privacy cannot be added retroactively to systems built on phone numbers.

To prevent any single company from controlling protocols people depend on for free speech, SimpleX is launching a Network Consortium. This agreement between the new SimpleX Network Foundation and SimpleX Chat will govern protocols with perpetual, irrevocable licensing — surviving even if either party is sold or shut down. Open-source privacy projects have historically died without funding or been captured by sponsors, creating structural guarantees for network neutrality becomes essential.

The organization is forming its foundation board with Heather Meeker, who drafted the consortium agreement, and plans crowdfunding through Community Credits to fund servers, development, and governance without surveillance or speculation.