ETH is already functional, and .NEAR will follow shortly. This is especially relevant during the NEARCON 2022 Conference, where Mr. Boeckmann is meeting numerous partners from the NEAR blockchain protocol. Tim and Mailchain are currently working with integration partners to expand secure email opportunities.
The Origin of Mailchain: How Did It All Begin?
Between 2018 and 2019, as many people were transferring crypto assets and collectibles, there was little focus on sending encrypted messages or communications in general. Tim Boeckmann explored this gap and saw the increasing demand for a web3 communication layer. This exploration led to the creation of Mailchain in December 2021.
A Bit About Your Background
Why did you create Mailchain and focus on web3’s communication layer?
Tim Boeckmann states: “This path seemed to choose me. In 2006, I started working with an ISP and witnessed the evolution of their platform as it transitioned to the cloud. Later, at Amazon Web Services, I managed emerging technology startup strategies. I worked with thousands of startups, including many in the blockchain space, and a common question from them was: How do they send messages? A lot of blockchain projects expressed the need to separate communications from traditional email and instead link them to their blockchain wallet addresses. People even use NFTs to share contact details, enabling communication among collectors and creators.”
What Are the Privacy Concerns Around Encrypted Emails?
Mailchain ensures all information remains encrypted. When you register a blockchain address, the system derives a unique messaging key at the app level for that address, eliminating the need to manage private keys directly. Your identity becomes a keyring, with keys visible only to you. This ensures that your Mailchain identity, keys, and messages are encrypted and entirely under your control.
How Much Does It Cost to Use Mailchain?
At present, Mailchain is completely free, says Tim. Anyone can send encrypted messages up to a certain quota. Currently, that limit is 25 messages per day. The team is still testing and experimenting with the system.
How Much Will It Cost to Send Messages with Attachments?
Tim notes that attachments, like images, require significant storage. “Yes, you’re correct. Right now, we maintain a soft limit of 25 messages per day, which may change in the future. The free tier will fall under Mailchain governance. We aim to keep costs low, aiming for a fee of less than half a cent per message. While the costs for storage are decreasing, we are committed to keeping currency volatility from affecting pricing. However, if a partner is providing infrastructure, they need to cover their operational costs.”
Does Mailchain Use Its Own Blockchain or the Near Blockchain?
Mailchain is compatible with all blockchains. Given the importance of communication within the Near ecosystem and its decentralized applications (Dapps), we are here to support it.
The Key Components of Mailchain
There are three primary components that make up Mailchain:
- Registry Layer – This handles encryption keys and addressing. Users can set preferences, such as message storage duration and recipient settings.
- Flutningslag – A decentralized component responsible for holding encrypted messages until they are delivered.
- Geymslulag – This layer stores encrypted messages and metadata, keeping everything secure.
Did Mailchain Secure Venture Capital?
Yes, Mailchain secured a 3.9M GBP investment led by Kenetic Capital, a blockchain technology VC from Hong Kong, and Crane Venture Partners, a London-based seed-stage investor. Tim explains that the funds will primarily go towards enhancing the interface and bringing on more partners, with less emphasis on marketing. Instead, they focus on reaching the right users and projects who will benefit most from the service.
Is the Email Stored in an Encrypted Format on the Blockchain?
CryptoChipy continues: Or where is it stored?
The emails are stored in encrypted format within distributed decentralized storage. Although Mailchain is exploring additional options with a partner, emails are not stored directly on the blockchain to avoid permanent storage issues.
Why Choose Mailchain Over Regular Email?
Mailchain is not aimed at traditional email users. Its most valuable use cases involve web3 projects and users who need to send messages to others in the blockchain space. Common use cases include sending announcements, invoices, receipts, governance updates, and security-related messages. Mailchain is designed for interactions within web3, where users get the most value.
Which Groups of People Are Most Likely to Use Mailchain?
The primary users are those involved in gaming, collectors, and the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector.
Can You Only Send Emails to Mailchain.com Addresses?
Markus from CryptoChipy asks: “I was able to only send emails to mailchain.com addresses. Is that accurate?”
Tim responds: “You can also send messages to Ethereum-compatible blockchain wallet addresses. Soon, you’ll be able to send to .ETH, .NEAR, and other addresses.”
Will Mailchain Improve the Mobile Interface?
Tim Boeckmann: “Thanks for the feedback. We’ll address the issue soon.” Update from CryptoChipy (14/9, 17:01): The issue was fixed within 14 hours, showing an impressive turnaround time.
Will Mailchain Be Integrable with Gmail, Outlook, or Other Email Clients?
While there are many standards for email clients, Tim mentions that Mailchain will likely integrate with some of these platforms in the future. However, only a few providers are currently exploring web3 integrations in email solutions.
Is My Mailchain Account Name Available or Already Taken?
Tim responds: “Thanks for pointing that out. We’ll work on making the interface clearer.” Update from CryptoChipy (14/9, 17:02): The interface has since been updated to make it easier to see when a name is already taken.
CryptoChipy appreciates Tim for taking the time to answer our questions. We recommend checking out Mailchain.com today to experience “All of Web3 in One Inbox.” Secure your Mailchain account or stay tuned for when .NEAR and .ETH are launched.
