How (and Why) to Use OTR For Private Encrypted Instant Messaging OTR stands for “off the record.” It’s a way to have encrypted private instant message conversations online. It uses end-to-end encryption so your network provider, government, and even the instant-messaging service itself can’t see the content of your messages. This isn’t too hard to set up, although both people will have to use the correct software and go through a quick setup process before your conversations will be encrypted. OTR also provides authentication, so you have some guarantee you’re talking to the actual person. Even if their account were compromised and someone else attempted to talk to you with their screen name, you’d see an error because the encryption information wouldn’t match. Edwin Snowden made use of OTR when he was communicating with the media about the NSA leaks. See http://ift.tt/1kK7FOz
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