# Nostr: Are Nostr direct messages private?

Privacy depends on the messaging scheme and client.

2026-08-07
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Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

Privacy depends on the messaging scheme and client. NIP-17 defines encrypted messages using NIP-44 and gift wrapping, while older schemes have different protections. Encryption protects message content from relays that cannot decrypt it, but it does not erase all metadata or protect a compromised device or key. Check which scheme both participants' clients support before sharing sensitive information.

## Sources

[NIP-17: Private messages](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/17.md), [NIP-44: Encryption](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/44.md).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/nostr-are-nostr-direct-messages-private/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-08T03:19:24+00:00

Description: A practical answer to Are Nostr direct messages private?