Passing circle is designed to be and automated, temporary, privacy-focused chat for incidents and events. The solution is built that around limited to no internet connectivity and is fully functional on mobile devices without additional applications
The solution is designed as an automated docker stack with passkey-only authentication for users. It is designed for rapid deployment with focusing on reducing support overhead. Passkeys are the only authentication method, no need for users to remember usernames or passwords
Use Cases
- Deployment of Disconnected or Off Grid communications for organised events in remote locations. Allows distribution of announcements (e.g weather warnings, missing person alerts) and person to person communications without internet connectivity
- Rapid communication deployment during during natural disasters and similar where phone services are online
How it works
Passing Circle i designed to run on a small low power computer (Mac Mini or similar) and be connected to the local Wi-Fi network.
A full full Matrix chat stack is deployed behind a single reverse proxy. The user flow is kept as simple and transparent as possible.
- Direct messages are encrypted end-to-end by default (enforced by Synapse).
- Public rooms (general, announcements) are unencrypted so that late joiners can see full message history for announcements and similar.
All user data can be wiped between events while preserving configuration.
Future Plans
The project is currently at the POC (Proof of Concept) stage and is undergoing targeted user testing to gather feedback.
Current goals under consideration
- Embedding of user keys within passkey (currently uses browser localStorage) to further reduce end user frict
- Integration with Ubiquity API to provide automated configuration and captive portal setup for interfacing with devices like the Ubiquity Cloud Gateway Industrial to further speed up deployment
- Exploration of Voice and Video along with optional GPS to allow for more rapid medical response
- Evaluation of load sheading strategies
- Selective enablement of Wi-Fi Calling and messaging services when internet connectivity is available