Germ DM x ATProto is Now in Beta
Germ DM is now a Bluesky messenger.
We’ve integrated AT Protocol, the open social layer that powers Bluesky, directly into our iOS app—which means E2EE DMs have finally come to the Atmosphere!
ATProto lets us meet and discover, but real connections form in private. As Bluesky becomes a thriving home for new friends, real conversations, and grassroots movements, Germ DM lets people turn new connections into real conversations. By integrating Germ identities with your ATProto handles, we make it faster, easier, and more secure than ever to jump into a private conversation—just click the magic link in bio.
Germ DM is the encrypted messenger that lets you talk freely—without sharing your phone number, even with us. It’s powered by Messaging Layer Security (MLS), the open standard for end-to-end encrypted conversations.
Now, one of your identity cards in Germ can be your ATProto handle, the username you already use on Bluesky, Skylight, Flashes, and anywhere else in the “Atmosphere.”
With this integration, we’re making it seamless to get where you’re trying to go (into a secure chat) the way you already know each other (as your handles).
Our first beta testers are being brought off the waitlist today. Are you one of them?
How it works
It starts with a superpowered link in bio.
Beta testers can now add a Germ DM link to their Bluesky profiles, allowing their friends to send them encrypted DMs—even if those friends aren’t in the beta yet. Thanks to our App Clip, your friends can start messaging you instantly, without going through the App Store. Yes, it’s really fast.
Here’s what makes Germ different:
These magic links aren’t just shortcuts. They’re pairing keys that continually authenticate your handle across platforms. When you link your Germ app with your ATProto handle, you’re creating an authenticated handoff to our E2EE DMs, so you can have confidence in the privacy of your conversations and the authenticity of the handle you’re talking to.
No more phone numbers. No more guessing who’s following up. No more public tradeoffs for private conversations.
Still curious? Read the technical breakdown of the integration here.
Want more?
Join Germ’s co-founders for a Town Hall next Tuesday at 11am PST - register here!
Join a Germ DM Q&A with encryption policy expert Riana Pfefferkorn on Thursday, August 14 at 10am PST via her Bluesky.
Join a Germ DM Q&A with leading cryptographer and protocol engineer Richard Barnes on Tuesday, August 19 at 10am PST via his Bluesky.
We’re shipping an early version to get this in your hands faster. The feature set will continue to grow—and we want your feedback along the way.
Germ is built for you: your identities, your boundaries, your choices.
Once you’re set up, follow us on Bluesky. We might just slide into your DMs.
