Session, an encrypted messaging app focused on privacy, has launched its own cryptocurrency called $SESH on the Arbitrum blockchain network. The token launch on May 21, 2025, coincides with the app’s move to a new network infrastructure after extensive testing.
With over one million monthly active users and 13 million total downloads, Session has become one of the most popular decentralized applications in the cryptocurrency space. The app is particularly valued by journalists, activists, and others who need secure communication channels.
“The Session token is the backbone of Session’s ecosystem,” explained Chris McCabe, co-founder of Session. “It will drive both network security and user engagement.”
The system behind it
Unlike traditional messaging apps that store user data on central servers, Session operates on a network of over 2,000 independent computers (nodes) run by community members. This approach, called DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network), ensures no single entity controls user messages or metadata.
Session app visuals. Image source: Session webpage.
The app uses a technique similar to the Tor network to hide users’ IP addresses, making it nearly impossible to track who is communicating with whom. Session claims to be developing the first messaging app capable of high-quality voice and video calls using this privacy-preserving method.
The role of the token
The new cryptocurrency serves several purposes in the Session ecosystem:
- Rewards people who operate network nodes for storing and routing messages
- Enables premium features through Session Pro
- Allows users to purchase unique, tradeable nicknames via the Session Name Service
- Requires node operators to stake 25,000 tokens as security, ensuring they have a financial incentive to maintain the network properly
The maximum supply of SESH tokens is capped at 240 million, with up to 80 million becoming available at launch.
Moving to Arbitrum
Session previously operated on its own custom blockchain but has now moved to Arbitrum, a popular system built on Ethereum technology. This change should make the app more accessible to the broader cryptocurrency community.
“Arbitrum was a natural fit for Session based on its stability, low fees, and deep integration with the Ethereum ecosystem,” said Kee Jefferys, technical co-founder of Session.
The project is overseen by the nonprofit Session Technology Foundation based in Switzerland, which the team describes as “a hub for technologists working on privacy and freedom on the internet.”
Sources:
- Chainwire – https://chainwire.org/2025/05/21/decentralized-messenger-session-goes-live-on-arbitrum-with-sesh-token-launch/
