Which is your main IM network?

[PartisanEntity]

Since becoming aware of the PRISM scandal that was recently revealed to the public, I think I'll skip IM-ing altogether and/or stick to PRISM-free options such as IRC and ICQ.

If you want to be relatively PRISM-free, you will need proper encryption. PRISM affects everything you do online as it taps into the main internet routers. With PRISM they are splitting off a portion of the light signal in the optical cables. So before your data even gets to Google, Apple, Skype, Microsoft, etc.. it's being copied. Therefor you need to make it encrypted from the moment it leaves your computer.

But even encryption can be cracked in certain cases (weak protocol, weak passwords, back security practices). However if everyone started to encrypt most of what they do online, then agencies would end up with a massive amount of encrypted data that would take huge amounts of money, time and computing power to attempt to crack. However most users are too lazy, and they just want shiny apps with bells and whistles, that "just work".

As far as secure IM is concerned, I decided to set up my own Jabber server for my friends and family with enforced encryption. Hardly anyone showed interest though, they would much rather continue using Skype and Whatsapp & Co because they don't require the user to think.

To understand how PRISM works check out the podcast on the Security Now episode #408 "The State of Surveillance (How the NSA's PRISM program works.)": https://www.grc.com/securitynow.htm

[Docaltmed]

Security has become an important concern of mine subsequent to the recent leaks. I'm looking for a good secure IM server.

[Erik1984]

Used to be MSN but as that service is no longer available it's mainly Facebook chat IF I use an IM network.

[JD82]

at home: Hangouts
at work: Skype

[Habitual]

I refuse to answer that on the grounds that the EnEsAa might incriminate me.

snowden@spy.gov

[Christmas]

I've always used IRC since I like it a lot, and now also Facebook besides IRC. Used Yahoo!, MSN and Skype in the past too. IRC is a great way of learning new stuff from really skilled persons regarding anything Linux or programming, I recommend it to beginners as well as experienced users.

[KCNLbAf]

Irssi+bitlbee with OTR encryption

[vicsar]

Skype
Facebook
GoogleTalk
IRC (freenode)

[MethosCR]

All of them are blocked at work, so...

[RichardET]

I used to be into the AOL chat, then Yahoo chat, now I rarely use it, and recently had trouble recalling what my AIM screen name was;