The
BundesMessenger
–
explained simply
Easy Language
Easy Language
Here we explain the BundesMessenger in simple words.
Easy Language is important, for example, for:
- People with learning difficulties.
- People who cannot read very well.
- People who do not speak German very well.
On this page
- 1. What is the BundesMessenger?
- 2. Who is the BundesMessenger for?
- 3. Security and encryption
- 4. Data in Germany
- 5. BWI and open source
- 6. How to download the app
- 7. Contact
This page is in Easy Language.
If you do not understand something: Write to us.
Our email address is: bundesmessenger@bwi.de
1. What is the BundesMessenger?
The BundesMessenger is an app.
With this app you can write messages.
Many people know other messaging apps.
For example: WhatsApp or Signal.
The BundesMessenger is a secure messaging app for public authorities in Germany.
A public authority is an office or an administration.
For example: a citizens’ office, a ministry or the Bundeswehr (the German armed forces).
With the BundesMessenger, staff at public authorities can write to each other securely.
The app is free of charge.
The app is developed in Germany.
2. Who is the BundesMessenger for?
The BundesMessenger is for people who work at a public authority.
For example:
- The Bundeswehr: soldiers.
- Ministries and offices: staff members.
- Cities and municipalities: local administrations.
- Other public authorities: public institutions.
3. Security and encryption
Your messages in the BundesMessenger are protected.
This protection is called encryption.
Encryption means:
The message is turned into a secret code.
Only the person who is meant to get the message can read the code.
Other people cannot read your messages.
Even the operators of the BundesMessenger cannot read your messages.
- End-to-end encryption: Only the sender and the receiver can read the message.
- Checked security: Experts have checked the security of the BundesMessenger.
- No advertising: There is no advertising. Your data is not sold.
4. Data in Germany
All data from the BundesMessenger is stored in Germany.
Data is the information that you send with the app.
For example: messages, pictures or documents.
The servers are in Germany.
A server is a computer that stores data.
It runs all the time – even when you are asleep.
The data does not go abroad.
This means that German data protection law applies.
In Germany, data protection is very strict.
So your data is well protected.
5. BWI and open source
The BundesMessenger is made by the BWI.
The BWI GmbH is a company.
It works for the Bundeswehr and the German federal administration.
Its office is in Germany.
The BundesMessenger is open source.
Open source means:
The source code of the app is open.
Source code is the set of instructions that the app follows.
Anyone can read the source code.
This way, people can check whether the app is secure.
The source code can be found on the internet.
Experts from all over the world can improve the app.
This makes the BundesMessenger more secure.
6. How to download the app
You can download the BundesMessenger free of charge.
The app is available for Android phones and for iPhones.
Please note: The BundesMessenger is for staff at public authorities.
Ask your employer whether you are allowed to use the app.
7. Contact
Do you have questions about the BundesMessenger?
We are happy to help you.
You can reach us in two ways:
Get in touch
Email:
bundesmessenger@bwi.de
Contact page:
bundesmessenger.de/contact