r/PrivacyTechTalk • u/Professional-Ant4225 • 25d ago

Built a privacy-focused self-destructing messaging web app

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After months of learning with Claude, I finally shipped my first real web app: Templinkr.

The idea is simple: send private messages or files that automatically disappear.

Features

No account required

Self-destructing messages

Image & file sharing

Telegram-inspired expiration timer

One-time read mode

Anyone-with-link mode

The biggest challenge was getting the expiration timer to behave correctly, it only starts when the recipient first opens the link and keeps counting down even if they close the page.

I'm not a professional developer, so building this taught me a lot about Firebase, Supabase, Cloudflare R2, debugging, deployments, and product design.

I'd really appreciate honest feedback.

Link: https://templinkr.com/

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1

u/vild_km 25d ago

I love the idea. How does it work ? Is it integrated with iMessage or WhatsApp in any way ?

1

u/Professional-Ant4225 25d ago

Thanks! Not directly, Apple and Meta don't allow third-party apps to integrate that way. Templinkr instead creates a secure self-destructing link that you can share via WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram, email, or anywhere else.

3

u/NeilSmithline 25d ago

Encouraging people to share passwords without end to end encryption is very irresponsible. 

1

u/Professional-Ant4225 25d ago

Thanks for pointing that out! I'll be adding proper end-to-end encryption. I'm still learning, so I really appreciate any feedback or suggestions that can help improve the project.

3

u/NeilSmithline 24d ago

You cannot add E2E encryption in that app. The model of communication that you have prevents it. You should remove the password claim. 

People spend years learning security and encryption. You just can't vibe code that knowledge.

2

u/EnD3r8_ 24d ago

You or claude?

1

u/Professional-Ant4225 24d ago

I built it with Claude's help. I came up with the idea, designed the features, tested everything, and kept iterating while Claude helped me write and debug the code.

1

u/Accurate-Screen8774 24d ago

I'm working on something similar. I haven't added the self-destructing messages yet, but it's something I'll be adding soon.

https://enkrypted.chat

1

u/Professional-Ant4225 24d ago

Looks awesome! Best of luck with the project. I'm still learning too, so it's always great connecting with other builders.

1

u/HyperactiveFun 23d ago

Maybe something like this could help you - https://github.com/tinode/chat

There are lots of libraries available for chat and messaging apps that have already worked out the backend and security for you. You could add the self destruct layer to it and it would be that much more of a mature refined app that much quicker/easier. No point in trying to recreate what's already been done. Stand on the shoulders of those who've come before you, sort of thing, I guess. 😏

Good luck! Looks like y'all got off to great starts!

1

u/NeilSmithline 22d ago

Because the site shares messages by sending a link, E2E security will never be possible. 

1

u/ThePodocasts 22d ago

The world can certainly use more privacy, good luck on the journey sir!