Session says funding will last until July, pauses development

The Session Technology Foundation (STF) confirmed that it has raised approximately $65,000 in donations, enough to keep essential infrastructure online for the next three months.

This includes maintaining core services such as file storage and push notification servers, as well as keeping the app listed on major app stores. However, the funding falls far short of what is required to sustain ongoing development and long-term operations.

The announcement marks a significant escalation from warnings issued in March by Session co-founder Chris McCabe, who previously cautioned that a funding shortfall could threaten the project’s future. At the time, Session reported over 1.5 million monthly users. The latest update places that figure at more than 1.7 million, underscoring a gap between user growth and financial sustainability.

Session is an end-to-end encrypted messaging app designed to minimize metadata collection and eliminate reliance on centralized infrastructure or phone numbers. Built on a decentralized network, it has attracted privacy-conscious users seeking alternatives to mainstream platforms like WhatsApp and Signal, particularly those concerned about surveillance and data retention.

Despite its growth, the STF says it can no longer afford to retain staff. All paid employees and developers had their final working day on April 9, 2026. While some contributors will remain on a volunteer basis to help maintain the network until July, development has effectively been halted. No new features are expected, and bug fixes or security updates may be delayed or not delivered at all.

The foundation estimates that it requires approximately $1 million per year to operate, even with a lean team. That funding would allow Session to complete its planned Protocol v2 upgrade, which includes key security improvements such as perfect forward secrecy (PFS), post-quantum cryptography, and enhanced secure device management. It would also support the launch of “Session Pro,” a proposed premium offering intended to help the platform achieve long-term financial independence.

Without this funding, the STF says it will be forced to cease operations on July 8. The organization described the announcement as its final appeal to the community, emphasizing that while Session appears successful externally, with millions of downloads and strong user growth, its continued existence depends on sustained financial support.

The STF also noted that any donations that cannot be used in accordance with its constitution will be redirected to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a nonprofit focused on defending digital privacy and civil liberties.

With development paused and staff no longer in place, the platform risks falling behind in addressing vulnerabilities and adapting to emerging threats. Users on Session should start considering contingency plans, including exporting important data and evaluating alternative secure messaging platforms. Those who wish to support the project’s continuation are encouraged to contribute financially or support community efforts, as the coming weeks are likely to determine whether Session can transition from survival mode to long-term viability.