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The Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for Private Business Calls

In 2023, high-profile data breaches exposed sensitive business communications, costing companies millions and eroding trust. For private business calls, robust encryption is non-negotiable.

Discover why end-to-end encryption matters, evaluate top apps like Signal, Wire, and Threema against key criteria, and compare features for voice, video, and compliance. Which solution safeguards your enterprise?

Why Encryption Matters for Business Calls

Unencrypted VoIP calls expose metadata to widespread surveillance risks. Businesses face serious threats from eavesdropping through man-in-the-middle attacks, where attackers intercept calls on public Wi-Fi or compromised networks. This can reveal sensitive discussions during private business calls.

Metadata leaks compound the danger, as call logs, timestamps, and participant details often remain unprotected. Even without call content, this information can map out business relationships and strategies. Experts recommend end-to-end encryption to shield both content and metadata in apps like the Signal app.

Compliance failures add financial strain, with hefty fines for violations like GDPR breaches. Unsecured calls risk exposing customer data, leading to regulatory penalties. Encrypted messaging apps help maintain business privacy and avoid such costs.

The Signal Protocol stands out with no known exploits over years of use, powering secure communication in apps like WhatsApp Business and Wire app. It employs perfect forward secrecy and double ratchet mechanisms for robust protection. Businesses benefit from this proven standard in secure voice calls and encrypted video calls.

Key Criteria for Selection

Apps ranked by E2EE verification, independent audits, and enterprise uptime SLAs above 99.99%. This approach draws from the EFF Secure Messaging Scorecard methodology. It ensures apps meet high standards for secure communication in private business calls.

Selection focuses on seven key criteria with assigned weights. These guide evaluations of encrypted messaging apps. Businesses gain clear insights into trade-offs for confidential calls.

CriteriaWeightDescription
E2EE25%End-to-end encryption using protocols like double ratchet or X3DH protects messages and calls from interception.
Audit History20%Independent security audits and bug bounty programs verify verified encryption claims.
Compliance15%Support for GDPR compliant, HIPAA, or SOC 2 standards suits regulated industries.
Call Quality15%Reliable secure voice calls, encrypted video calls, and group calls with low latency.
Pricing10%Transparent enterprise pricing for free secure apps or premium features.
Self-Hosting10%On-premise deployment options for data residency control.
Open Source5%Public code allows community review for open-source apps.

Weights prioritize end-to-end encryption as the foundation. For example, apps like the Signal app excel here with perfect forward secrecy. Businesses should weigh criteria against needs like self-destructing messages or multi-device sync secure.

Experts recommend balancing these for business privacy. Test apps in pilots for call recording encryption and screenshot protection. This method identifies top picks for private VoIP calls.

Understanding Encryption Standards

True E2EE ensures only endpoints access content. Servers see nothing but encrypted packets. This setup protects private business calls from interception.

Technical standards differ from marketing claims. Apps like the Signal app use open protocols with public audits. Others rely on vague promises without verification.

For business requirements, prioritize verified encryption in encrypted messaging apps. Check for independent security audits and open-source code. This confirms secure communication for confidential calls.

Examples include Signal Protocol in WhatsApp Business and Wire app. These provide real end-to-end encryption for voice and video. Businesses avoid risks from unproven claims.

End-to-End Encryption Explained

E2EE uses AES-256 + Curve25519 key exchange, verified by 128-bit security margin (NIST SP 800-57). Only sender and receiver decrypt messages. Intermediaries handle gibberish data.

Key protocols include Signal’s Double Ratchet for forward secrecy. It rotates keys per message, blocking past decryption if keys leak. X3DH enables secure initial key agreement.

Noise Protocol Framework powers apps like Wire app and Session app. Verification uses Safety Numbers or QR codes for contact checks. Compare numbers aloud or scan to detect man-in-the-middle attacks.

Reference the Signal Protocol Whitepaper for details. Apps like Threema and Olvid implement these for secure voice calls. Businesses gain confidence in encrypted video calls and group calls secure.

Business-Specific Security Needs

Enterprises require PFS, 2FA, audit logs, and data residency beyond consumer E2EE. These features support compliance messaging. They protect private business calls effectively.

  • Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS): Ephemeral keys prevent past session compromise, as in Signal app.
  • Compliance audit trails: Log access without exposing content, aligning with HIPAA 45 CFR  164.312 and GDPR Article 32.
  • Self-destructing messages: Set 7-day default for disappearing messages in Telegram secret chats or Wickr Me.
  • Air-gapped recovery: Offline key backups for high-security setups in Threema or Element app.
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA): Biometric or hardware keys for account access.

Choose apps with metadata protection and IP address hiding. ProtonMail chat and Matrix protocol offer decentralized options. This meets business privacy demands.

For secure file sharing, seek screenshot protection and encrypted attachments. Apps like Microsoft Teams encrypted and Zoom encrypted calls add enterprise features such as admin controls secure.

Top Encrypted Messaging Apps

Ranking based on 2024 independent audits, call quality tests with 95+ MOS scores, and enterprise adoption, these top five encrypted messaging apps stand out for private business calls. They offer robust end-to-end encryption (E2EE), secure voice and video features, and compliance tools like GDPR and HIPAA support. Businesses choose them for metadata protection and reliable secure communication.

Each app excels in specific areas, from zero-knowledge proofs to decentralized networks. For example, teams use them for confidential calls with perfect forward secrecy (PFS) and self-destructing messages. Look for on-premise deployment options in enterprise plans.

Key strengths include AES-256 encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and screenshot protection. They support encrypted group calls, secure file sharing, and multi-device sync. Enterprises value admin controls and audit logs for compliance.

Practical tip: Test call recording encryption and IP address hiding in trials. Pair with onion routing for extra privacy during sensitive discussions.

Signal

Signal leads with 50M+ business users and zero exploitable vulnerabilities since 2014. Its Signal Protocol powers double ratchet and X3DH key exchange for top-tier E2EE in secure voice calls and video. Businesses rely on it for disappearing messages in client negotiations.

The app offers safety numbers and QR code verification to confirm contacts securely. Enable biometric authentication for device lock and sealed sender to hide metadata. Group calls support up to eight participants with full encryption.

Screen sharing and message pinning aid business workflows. It runs on iOS, Android, and desktop with encrypted backups. Experts recommend it for HIPAA compliant medical teams due to its no logs policy.

Actionable advice: Use incognito keyboard to prevent typing predictions and set registration lock with 2FA for account recovery.

Wire

Wire serves 10,000+ enterprises with on-premise deployment and MLS 1.0 support for scalable secure messaging. It provides MLS protocol for efficient group E2EE and WebRTC secure calls with DTLS encryption. Teams use it for conference calls across hybrid work setups.

Features include role-based access, secure channels, and remote wipe for lost devices. Admin dashboards manage SOC 2 compliant logs and user permissions. It integrates with calendars for private invites.

Encrypted file sharing handles large attachments with forward protection. Supports multi-language chats and dark mode for usability. On-premise options ensure data residency in sovereign clouds.

Practical step: Set up panic button for instant message deletion during audits. Pair with enterprise pricing for 24/7 support and custom SLAs.

Threema

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Swiss-based Threema avoids US/EU jurisdiction with userID anonymity and blockchain-grade encryption for ultimate business privacy. It uses NaCl cryptography with Curve25519 for quantum-resistant keys in private VoIP calls. No phone number required, ideal for anonymous client outreach.

Polls encrypted, voice notes, and location sharing private enhance collaboration. Paid model funds independent security audits and bug bounties. Supports offline messaging queued for spotty networks.

Swiss privacy laws protect data, with zero-knowledge proof for passwords. Cross-platform apps include desktop secure sync. Enterprise edition adds admin controls and compliance messaging.

Tip: Verify contacts via Threema ID QR codes and enable stealth mode to hide online status during negotiations.

Session

Session eliminates metadata entirely using 3-hop onion routing across 2,200+ nodes for decentralized encrypted messaging. Its Loki Network hides IP addresses in peer-to-peer encryption, perfect for high-stakes business calls. No central servers mean no single point of failure.

Open-source app with post-quantum cryptography options and ephemeral keys. Supports group calls secure and disappearing messages. Available on F-Droid for Android privacy enthusiasts.

Account self-destruct and secure delete protect sensitive threads. Low data usage suits remote teams. Integrates proxy support for extra layers.

Actionable: Generate recovery phrase for multi-device use and test onion routing latency in your region before adoption.

Element (Matrix-based)

Matrix federation powers 80M+ users across 20K+ servers with full auditability for interoperable secure communication. Element uses Olm and Megolm libraries for E2EE in encrypted video calls and chats. Businesses bridge it to Slack or Teams securely.

Federation protocol allows self-hosted servers with hybrid secure model. Features encrypted attachments, reactions secure, and voice rooms. API secure access enables bots and workflows.

Device verification via emojis and keys prevents MITM attacks. Supports multi-device sync secure and accessibility features. Ideal for GDPR compliant organizations with data sovereignty.

Pro tip: Configure bridges secure for email encryption links and use room aliases for organized private groups.

Feature Comparison

A side-by-side analysis of 15 key features across the top 5 apps helps businesses choose the best encrypted messaging apps for private business calls. This comparison covers voice quality, group capabilities, and file sharing. It highlights strengths in end-to-end encryption and enterprise tools.

Apps like Signal, Wire, Threema, Session, and Element lead in secure communication. Each offers E2EE for calls and messages. Businesses need features like low latency and scalable groups for daily use.

Review tables below for quick insights. Look for metadata protection and integration options. Practical examples show how these fit confidential calls and team workflows.

Experts recommend matching app features to needs, such as HIPAA compliant tools for health sectors. Test in real scenarios for best results.

Voice and Video Call Quality

The table below shows voice and video call quality based on 2024 AV-TEST results using ITU-T P.800 methodology for MOS scores. It includes bitrate needs, codecs like VP8 and H.264, and network adaptation for reliable private business calls.

AppMOS ScoreMax VideoLatencyParticipants
Signal4.31080p98ms40
Wire4.24K120ms49
Threema4.1720p150ms25
Session4.0720p250ms100+
Element3.91080p180ms50

Signal excels with low latency for crisp one-on-one executive calls. Wire supports higher resolutions, ideal for detailed presentations. Network adaptation ensures quality on spotty connections.

Choose based on use case. For global teams, prioritize WebRTC secure with DTLS encryption. Test SRTP protocol in your environment for optimal results.

Group Calling Capabilities

Enterprise group calls require 25+ participants with screen sharing and breakout rooms in secure messaging apps. The table compares top apps for scale and E2EE in group settings.

FeatureSignalWireThreemaSessionElement
Max Group1,000500256100K
MLS E2EEPartialFullFullFullFull
RecordingNoYesNoNoYes
BreakoutNoYesNoNoYes

Element shines for large teams with Matrix protocol federation. Wire offers full MLS E2EE and recording for compliant meetings. Use breakout rooms for private discussions in big calls.

Session provides unlimited scale via decentralized messaging, great for global firms. Ensure perfect forward secrecy protects past calls. Pair with admin controls for secure channels.

File Sharing and Integration

Secure file sharing requires E2EE + virus scanning + 2GB+ limits for enterprise use in private business calls. The table details max sizes and integrations for encrypted attachments.

AppMax SizeE2EEAV ScanCRM Bridge
Wire100MBYesYesSalesforce
Element50GBYesNoHubSpot
Signal100MBYesNoNone
Threema50MBYesYesNone
Session10MBYesNoNone

Wire integrates with Salesforce for seamless workflows, scanning files for threats. Element handles large files via encrypted cloud storage, fitting media-heavy teams. Add webhook APIs for Slack or Teams bridges.

For compliance, seek SOC 2 compliant options with audit logs. Share contracts securely with disappearing messages. Test integrations to avoid data leaks in business messaging.

Security and Compliance

2024 saw 14 major messaging breaches, only audited apps remained secure. Businesses using encrypted messaging apps for private business calls must prioritize apps with proven security records. Unaudited platforms exposed user data during these incidents.

Compliance standards like GDPR and HIPAA add layers of protection for secure communication. Apps supporting end-to-end encryption and regular audits reduce risks in enterprise settings. Experts recommend verifying audit histories before deployment.

Key features such as perfect forward secrecy and zero-knowledge proofs ensure data stays private even under attack. For confidential calls, choose apps with disappearing messages and metadata protection. This approach safeguards business privacy effectively.

Integrate two-factor authentication and biometric authentication for added security. Regularly review privacy policies to confirm no logs commitments. These steps support long-term compliance in business messaging.

Audit History and Transparency

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Audit history reveals the strength of an app’s security foundation. Independent reviews by firms like NCC Group and Quarkslab expose vulnerabilities early. Apps with frequent audits excel in secure voice calls and encrypted video calls.

Check CVE histories and bug bounty payouts for transparency. Reference OSTIF Matrix audit reports for detailed insights. Open-source code allows community verification, enhancing trust.

AppAuditsLast AuditBountySource Code
Signal122024$100KYes
Wire82023$50KYes
Threema62024NonePartial

Use this table to compare options for group calls secure. Apps with active bounties attract ethical hackers, fixing issues fast. Pair audits with open-source apps for maximum reliability.

Compliance with GDPR and HIPAA

HIPAA requires BAA plus audit logs; GDPR demands DPA plus data residency. These standards ensure GDPR compliant and HIPAA compliant handling of sensitive data. Businesses need apps that meet both for global operations.

Review data processing agreements for clarity on responsibilities. Ensure SOC 2 compliant status for trust services criteria. This supports secure file sharing and confidential calls.

ComplianceSignalWireThreemaSessionElement
GDPR DPANoYesYesYesYes
HIPAA BAANoYesNoNoYes
SOC 2NoType IINoNoType I

Select apps like Wire for broad coverage in enterprise secure chat. Verify DPAs cover data residency in EU regions. Combine with admin controls secure for compliance audits.

Pricing and Business Plans

Total Cost of Ownership analysis reveals 67% savings versus premises PBX systems for encrypted messaging apps. Businesses gain from lower hardware needs and scalable secure communication plans. This shift supports private business calls without heavy upfront costs.

Choose plans based on team size and features like end-to-end encryption for group calls secure or compliance messaging. Free tiers suit small teams, while paid options add admin controls secure and GDPR compliant tools. Factor in support for encrypted video calls.

Enterprise plans often include on-premise deployment or hosted models with SOC 2 compliant standards. Look for uptime SLA guarantees and 24/7 secure support. These ensure reliable business privacy for confidential calls.

Review multi-device sync secure and integration with tools like CRM integration private. Annual renewals cover updates for AES-256 encryption and perfect forward secrecy. This keeps secure messaging costs predictable.

Free vs. Paid Tiers

Free tiers in encrypted messaging apps impose artificial limits that hinder business growth. Paid unlocks deliver full secure communication for teams. For example, Wire Pro pays for itself after two months through compliance savings.

FeatureFree Tier LimitsPaid Unlock
Wire10 users$6.50/user
SignalDesktop onlyMulti-device

Free Signal app restricts to one device, limiting cross-platform secure use for mobile secure chat and desktop. Paid tiers enable multi-device sync secure with E2EE. This supports private business calls across iOS and Android.

Wire app free caps at 10 users, blocking larger private groups. Upgrade removes limits and adds enterprise features like role-based access. Businesses breakeven quickly on metadata protection and audit needs.

Enterprise Deployment Costs

On-premise deployments range $5K-$50K setup plus 20% annual maintenance for privacy-focused apps. These costs cover sovereign cloud options and data residency control. Hosted alternatives reduce setup while maintaining end-to-end encryption.

ModelSetupAnnualUsers
Wire Enterprise$15K$30K1,000
Threema OnPremCHF 5KCHF 5K100
Element Hosted$0$12K1,000

Plans include support SLAs with 99.99% uptime for secure voice calls. Threema suits smaller teams under Swiss privacy laws. Element app via Matrix protocol offers no-setup scaling for decentralized messaging.

Wire Enterprise provides hybrid secure model with admin tools for HIPAA compliant chats. Annual fees fund independent security audit updates. Choose based on needs like secure file sharing or remote wipe features.

Implementation Guide

A 90-day implementation reduces risk with pilot programs and change management. Start by assessing your team’s current secure communication needs for private business calls. This phased approach ensures smooth adoption of encrypted messaging apps like Signal app or Wire app.

Begin with a small pilot group to test end-to-end encryption features such as safety numbers and disappearing messages. Gather feedback on secure voice calls and group chats before scaling. Address common hurdles like multi-device sync early.

In weeks 5-8, expand to department leads with compliance training on GDPR compliant tools. Monitor usage metrics for encrypted video calls and file sharing. Refine policies based on real-world input from Threema or Element app users.

By day 90, achieve full rollout with admin controls secure and role-based access. Regular audits confirm AES-256 encryption and perfect forward secrecy. This strategy minimizes disruptions while boosting business privacy.

Onboarding Teams

Follow this 7-step rollout for onboarding teams to encrypted messaging apps. It covers champion selection, safety numbers exchange, desktop sync, group migration, archiving setup, compliance training, and full rollout. Expect about 2 weeks per 100 users.

  1. Day 1: Install + Safety Number verification (15 mins/user). Users scan QR codes in Signal app or Wire app to confirm contact verification. This prevents man-in-the-middle attacks right away.
  2. Day 2: Policy training + 2FA setup. Train on two-factor authentication and no-logs policy. Enable biometric authentication for mobile secure chat.
  3. Week 2: Pilot 10% users. Select early adopters for private business calls and feedback on secure file sharing.
  4. Week 1 end: Champion selection. Pick tech-savvy leaders to promote apps like WhatsApp Business or Session app.
  5. Mid-week 2: Desktop sync and multi-device sync secure. Test cross-platform secure on iOS, Android, and desktop apps secure.
  6. Week 2: Group migration and secure channels setup. Move from old tools to Matrix protocol groups with E2EE.
  7. End week 2: Archiving setup, compliance training, full rollout. Implement secure backups and remote wipe features.

Customize steps for your needs, like adding panic button training for confidential calls. Track adoption with message timestamps secure and read receipts secure.

Integration with Business Tools

Wire + Salesforce: Native E2EE contact sync + activity logging setup takes effort but enhances CRM integration private. Use secure contact sync for logging private VoIP calls without metadata exposure. Review API rate limits to avoid disruptions.

  • Salesforce (Wire): Sync contacts with end-to-end encryption. Log activities securely with IP address hiding.
  • HubSpot (Element): Bridge Matrix protocol for task management secure. Enable webhook encryption for updates.
  • Slack bridge (Matrix): Federation protocol connects chats with interoperability secure. Maintain E2EE across platforms.
  • Microsoft Teams (Element): Integrate for encrypted conference calls. Use DTLS encryption for seamless handover.
  • Jira webhooks (all): Automate workflow automation encrypted. Support bot security for notifications.
  • Okta SSO: Single sign-on with zero-knowledge proof. Enforce 2FA across open-source apps.

Before integration, run a security review checklist: Verify TLS encryption, check API rate limits, audit permissions, test replay attacks prevention, confirm data residency, and enable audit logs for compliance messaging. For example, pair Wire app with Salesforce for call recording encryption while respecting HIPAA compliant standards.

Test integrations in pilot phases with tools like Jira for secure delete confirmations. Monitor for low data usage privacy and battery efficient secure performance. This ensures scalability secure for enterprise secure chat.

Recommendations

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Our selection matrix bases choices on team size, budget, and compliance needs for the best encrypted messaging apps. Small teams prioritize free tools with quick setup, while enterprises focus on scalability and regulatory standards like GDPR or HIPAA. This framework helps match apps to business privacy demands for secure communication.

For private business calls, consider end-to-end encryption (E2EE) strength, call quality, and admin controls. Open-source apps like Signal offer transparency, whereas enterprise options provide on-premise deployment. Evaluate based on your migration path from tools like WhatsApp Business or Slack.

Key factors include metadata protection, multi-device sync, and features like secure file sharing or disappearing messages. Test with a pilot group to ensure cross-platform support for iOS, Android, and desktop. Compliance-focused businesses benefit from audited encryption protocols such as double ratchet or X3DH.

Experts recommend verifying safety numbers via QR codes for contact verification. Pair with two-factor authentication (2FA) and screenshot protection for confidential calls. This approach ensures robust security without disrupting workflows.

Best for Small Businesses

Signal: Zero cost, unlimited users, WhatsApp migration in 1 hour. This Signal app excels for small teams needing free end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls. Setup takes 15 minutes, with open-source code for trust.

Switch from WhatsApp Business by exporting chats and importing contacts easily. Signal supports disappearing messages and secure group calls, ideal for quick confidential discussions. Its no-logs policy aligns with privacy-focused apps.

ROI comes from avoiding compliance fines through AES-256 encryption and perfect forward secrecy (PFS). Runner-up Wire Free suits up to 10 users with similar E2EE for calls. Both offer biometric authentication and self-destructing messages for business privacy.

Use Signal’s safety numbers for peer verification before sensitive calls. Enable incognito mode to hide IP addresses, enhancing metadata protection for remote teams.

Best for Enterprises

Wire Enterprise: Full compliance suite, on-premise option, 1-week PoC. This Wire app delivers GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 compliance for large-scale secure messaging. Total cost of ownership sits at low per-user rates with high scalability.

Migrate from Slack to Wire in 30 days using secure channels and role-based access. Features like encrypted video calls and admin controls support enterprise secure chat. On-premise deployment ensures data residency control.

Expect payback in 18 months through reduced breach risks and audit-ready logs. Wire includes secure file sharing, message pinning, and conference calls with DTLS encryption. Integrate with CRM for workflow automation while maintaining privacy.

Conduct a proof-of-concept (PoC) in one week to test federation protocol and multi-device sync. Leverage its bug bounty program and independent security audits for verified encryption.

Final Verdict

Overall Winner: Wire balances enterprise features, call quality, and deployment flexibility. It outperforms for businesses needing compliance messaging alongside everyday secure communication. Signal remains top for cost-conscious small teams.

Reference this quick comparison for winners by category.

CategoryWinnerKey Strengths
Small BusinessesSignalFree, quick setup, unlimited users
EnterprisesWireCompliance suite, on-premise, scalable
OverallWireFeature balance, deployment options

Follow this migration checklist for smooth rollout: Week 1 pilot with select teams, Week 4 full deployment, Month 3 compliance audit. Start with secure backups and train on QR code verification. Monitor uptime and encryption logs for ongoing security.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for Private Business Calls: What Are They?

The best encrypted messaging apps for private business calls include Signal, Wire, Threema, and Wickr. These apps offer end-to-end encryption for both text messaging and voice/video calls, ensuring that your private business communications remain secure from eavesdroppers. Signal stands out for its open-source protocol and ease of use in professional settings.

Why Choose Encrypted Messaging Apps for Private Business Calls?

Choosing the best encrypted messaging apps for private business calls protects sensitive discussions from data breaches, complies with privacy regulations like GDPR, and prevents corporate espionage. Encryption ensures that only intended recipients can access call content, making them essential for executives handling confidential deals or strategies.

How Do the Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for Private Business Calls Ensure Security?

The best encrypted messaging apps for private business calls use end-to-end encryption (E2EE), where keys are stored only on user devices, not servers. Apps like Signal employ the Signal Protocol, audited for vulnerabilities, while features like disappearing messages and perfect forward secrecy add layers of protection for business calls.

What Features Make These the Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for Private Business Calls?

Key features of the best encrypted messaging apps for private business calls include high-quality voice/video calling, group call support, file sharing with encryption, screen sharing, and admin controls for teams. Wire and Microsoft Teams (with E2EE add-ons) excel in enterprise features like integration with business tools and compliance certifications.

Are the Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for Private Business Calls Free to Use?

Many of the best encrypted messaging apps for private business calls, such as Signal and Threema (with a one-time fee), offer free basic versions, while enterprise plans from Wire or Session provide advanced features like unlimited storage and priority support. Evaluate costs based on your business’s scale and needs for optimal privacy.

Which is the Top Pick Among the Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for Private Business Calls?

Signal is often the top pick among the best encrypted messaging apps for private business calls due to its robust E2EE, no-data-collection policy, and cross-platform availability. It’s recommended by privacy experts like Edward Snowden and supports seamless integration for teams requiring secure, reliable private business calls.

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