ZEROCLASSIC / MESSAGING
ZeroChat: public blockchain chat and private Sapling messages
Freedom to talk. Privacy by choice.
ZeroChat is a browser-based messaging app built on the ZeroClassic blockchain. Explore public on-chain conversations, open a hashtag room, or exchange private messages between Sapling ZS addresses. Reading the public chat does not require an account.
One public conversation, dedicated hashtag rooms
General brings public messages together. Start a message with a hashtag, such as #zeroclassic, to post in its dedicated room. Click a hashtag to open the room. Messages sent from a room automatically include its hashtag in the blockchain memo.
Public sends use transparent T1 addresses. Nicknames appear in message prefixes; the last four address characters help distinguish them, but nicknames and short suffixes are not authenticated identities.
Private messages with Sapling
Private conversations use Sapling ZS addresses. Their memos are encrypted on the blockchain and read with the appropriate viewing material. The private reader supports the ZeroChat format and compatible Windows messages with a valid reply address. Our cross-platform vision covers web, Windows, iOS and Android.
Private conversations are not public web pages. Blockchain privacy does not make every aspect of a conversation anonymous: network connections, external links and information you choose to share can reveal details.
How to get started
- Open ZeroChat in a modern browser with JavaScript and WebAssembly enabled.
- Read General or choose a hashtag room.
- In Settings, create or import a funded T1 address for public messages, or a Sapling ZS address for private messages.
- Back up your keys. You may also create an optional account for encrypted key and index backups.
Spending keys are handled on your device, not imported into the shared blockchain node. An imported Sapling address may need its local index to catch up before its confirmed funds and messages are available.
Fees, confirmations and public moderation
Sending a message is a blockchain transaction. ZERC network fees and ZeroClassic's applicable burn rules apply. Pending messages can be shown before confirmation; confirmation depends on the network.
The public Report button publishes an on-chain report identifying the target transaction. A message is hidden in ZeroChat after five confirmed reports from distinct transparent addresses. Multiple addresses can belong to one person, so this is not a person-verified voting system.
Hide and Unhide let you control a public message on your own device without sending a transaction. Neither public reporting nor personal hiding deletes data from the blockchain. External images load only when you choose Show image; the image host can then see your IP address.
Why we created ZeroChat
We created ZeroChat to defend freedom of expression and offer an alternative to government censorship and centrally controlled messaging platforms. Freedom to talk should not depend on permission from a single platform operator.
Messages travel through the decentralized ZeroClassic blockchain rather than a conventional chat database controlled by one company. Once confirmed, a transaction is part of the shared blockchain history: hiding a message on this website does not erase it from that history. Compatible applications can read the same public channel independently.
This is censorship resistance, not a promise that censorship is impossible. Governments or providers may block access to a website or network, and this website and its API remain services that can become unavailable. Transaction inclusion and finality depend on the blockchain network. Public reports and personal hiding also affect what this interface displays.
From your device to the blockchain
Your browser prepares the transaction, signs it with your spending key and, for Sapling sends, generates the required cryptographic proof. An HTTPS API bridges the app and the ZeroClassic network to broadcast transactions and retrieve blockchain data. Your spending keys are not sent to the shared node.
Public messages are sent to a shared Sapling channel whose viewing material allows channel readers to decode its memos. They are public by design even though the receiving address is shielded. Private messages are sent directly between ZS addresses and require the corresponding viewing material to read. A spending key also allows the app to derive the information needed to read your account.
Indexes help the app find balances and messages without repeatedly scanning the entire history. They do not replace the blockchain as the source of messages. Private readers recover received and supported outgoing messages from on-chain data; first-time imports may still need synchronization before sending is possible.
Accounts are optional
You can browse the public chat and manage addresses without registering. An optional account stores encrypted key and index backups, not a readable copy of your private conversations. Keep an independent backup of your keys and your account recovery code.
Use a trusted device and protect your account password. A compromised browser or website can undermine device-side key protection.
Questions about ZeroChat
Do I need an account to read the chat?
No. Public chat is accessible without registration. Sending requires a funded address and its spending key.
How can I get ZERC to send messages?
You can obtain ZERC by mining ZeroClassic or by buying it on a cryptocurrency exchange, such as ZerCEX (ZERC/USDT). Transfer a small amount to your dedicated messaging address to cover transaction costs.
Mining involves equipment and electricity costs. Exchanges are independent services: check their availability, fees and withdrawal conditions before using them. Never share your spending key with an exchange.
Should I use my main wallet address?
We recommend creating a new address dedicated to messaging and funding it with only a small amount of ZERC, enough to cover message transaction costs. This avoids using your main wallet address directly in conversations and limits the funds exposed if your device or browser is compromised. Use a T1 address for public messages or a Sapling ZS address for private messages.
A separate address does not guarantee anonymity: a transparent transfer from your main address can reveal a link between the two addresses.
Can I use ZeroChat on a phone?
Yes. The web interface works in browsers on iOS and Android and adapts to mobile screens.
Are messages stored on the blockchain?
Messages are carried in transaction memos on ZeroClassic. Public messages can be read by channel readers; private Sapling memos require the appropriate viewing material.
Does reporting erase a message?
No. Reporting controls what this interface displays. Blockchain transactions and files hosted on external websites remain outside that control.
Explore ZeroClassic
Learn more at ZeroClassic or inspect the ZeroClassic blockchain source code.