Blockchain-Powered Messaging App Towns Launches

According to Cointelegraph, amid increasing scrutiny on the social media industry regarding privacy and content moderation, a new blockchain-enabled messaging app, Towns, has been launched. The app's launch follows a successful Series A funding round in February 2023, where it raised $25.5 million, led by Andreessen Horowitz (A16z). Towns, founded by Ben Rubin, aims to set a new standard for digital communication through blockchain technology. Towns operates on the River messaging protocol, which includes an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible layer-2 chain, decentralized nodes, and smart contracts deployed on the Base protocol. The River Protocol, launched in May 2023 by the same team behind Towns, focuses on end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to enhance privacy and security in communication. The app's interface is similar to platforms like Discord or Slack, offering users full ownership and control of their data. This transparency is achieved through River Smart Contracts on Base. A spokesperson for Towns emphasized that blockchain technology is essential for ensuring transparency, security, and decentralization, allowing for trustless interactions without intermediaries. As this is a developing story, more information will be provided as it becomes available.