: The Tor network used this string to find the other person's computer without knowing its actual location.
: Every message was encrypted end-to-end by default.
: You would share this 16-character string with a friend to add them.
: Most users have migrated to modern alternatives like Ricochet-Refresh , Briar , or Quiet , which offer similar peer-to-peer anonymity with updated security standards. Why Torchat Matters Today
The alphanumeric string is a classic Tor v2 onion address. In the original Torchat protocol, these addresses served as both the user's "phone number" and their cryptographic key.
Despite being largely defunct, Torchat's legacy lives on in the "privacy-first" movement. It proved that real-time communication could exist without a middleman.
If you are trying to use the address today, you will likely find that it no longer works. The Tor Project officially retired "v2" onion addresses (which are 16 characters long) in late 2021.
: Torchat and its original address format are now considered legacy technology.
: Your identity was simply your ".onion" address.
To help you find a modern tool that fits your needs, what is your primary goal? Finding a for Torchat Understanding how to set up a v3 onion service Learning about metadata-free messaging concepts