Element

Overview

Element is a powerful, privacy-first alternative to Google Meet and Slack, built on the open-standard Matrix protocol. Unlike Google Meet, which is a centralized service owned by a single corporation, Element is decentralized. This means you can choose where your data is stored by selecting a specific “homeserver” or even hosting your own, ensuring that your video calls and conversations remain entirely under your control.

What sets Element apart is its commitment to “sovereign communications.” In a world where data mining is the norm, Element provides a sanctuary for businesses and individuals who require absolute confidentiality. It doesn’t just provide video conferencing; it offers a full suite of collaboration tools including persistent chat rooms, file sharing, and voice notes, all protected by default end-to-end encryption.

Key Features

Element Call (E2EE Video)

While traditional video conferencing often decrypts data on the server to manage the stream, Element Call uses a modern approach to maintain end-to-end encryption even in group settings. This ensures that your meetings remain private from everyone—including the service provider.

Decentralization and Federation

Element allows you to talk to anyone else on the Matrix network, regardless of which server they use. This is similar to how email works; you aren’t trapped in a “walled garden.” If you value privacy, you can run Element on your own hardware, keeping 100% of your metadata and content local.

Interoperable Bridging

One of Element’s most unique features is its ability to “bridge” into other ecosystems. You can stay within the secure Element interface while communicating with contacts who are still using platforms like Slack, Signal, or Telegram, making the transition away from Big Tech much smoother.

Privacy & Security

Privacy is the core foundation of Element. While Google Meet encrypts data “in transit” (meaning Google can still see it), Element uses the Matrix protocol’s implementation of the Double Ratchet Algorithm. This ensures that every message and every video frame is encrypted on your device and only decrypted on the recipient’s device.

Because it is open-source, the code is regularly audited by security firms like Least Authority. Furthermore, because you can self-host the server (the “Synapse” or “Dendrite” implementations), you can eliminate metadata leaks that are common with centralized providers. You own your identity, your keys, and your data.

Getting Started

1. Choose a Server: Visit Element.io and decide whether to join the default Matrix.org server or sign up for a private hosted server.
2. Create an Account: Choose a username. Unlike Google, you do not necessarily need to provide a phone number to get started on many Matrix servers.
3. Secure Your Keys: Upon signup, you will be given a “Security Key” or “Recovery Phrase.” Store this safely! Since Element is E2EE, if you lose this key and your password, your encrypted messages cannot be recovered.
4. Start a Room: Create a new room, click the “Video Call” icon, and invite your colleagues by sharing the room link or their Matrix ID.

Who Is It Best For?

Element is the ideal choice for privacy enthusiasts, whistleblowers, and security-conscious organizations. It is particularly valuable for government agencies, healthcare providers, and legal teams who handle sensitive information and must comply with strict data sovereignty regulations. It also appeals to the “De-Googling” community who want to move away from centralized surveillance.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a 1:1 clone of Google Meet’s simplicity, Element may feel like a significant change. However, for those who prioritize security over convenience, there is no better alternative. Element offers a level of digital autonomy that Google simply cannot match. By switching to Element, you aren’t just changing your video conferencing tool—you are taking back ownership of your digital life.