Session Migrates to Its Own Blockchain Network for Better Control and Security

Encrypted messaging platform Session will complete its long-anticipated migration from the Oxen Service Node Network to its newly developed Session Network on May 21, 2025.

The move aims to consolidate its infrastructure under a unified brand and introduce a new Ethereum-compatible token to support its decentralized ecosystem.

The transition marks a pivotal evolution in Session's technical architecture and governance, nearly two years in the making. It follows a lengthy period of development, internal testing, and infrastructure reorientation. Although the migration will not affect the functionality of the Session messaging app for end users, it introduces foundational changes to the backend network, laying the groundwork for improved decentralization, streamlined onboarding for node operators, and deeper blockchain integrations.

Session, an end-to-end encrypted messenger originally launched on the Oxen Network, has depended on a network of over 2,000 service nodes that staked Oxen cryptocurrency (OXEN) to participate in relaying encrypted messages. These nodes earned OXEN rewards for maintaining the network and ensuring secure communication. While effective, the setup often led to confusion among users and newcomers due to the separation of the Oxen and Session brands.

To address this fragmentation, the Session Technology Foundation (STF), now overseeing the project following its relocation to Switzerland, has created the Session Network. This new network is purpose-built for the messaging app and introduces Session Token, an Ethereum-compatible token designed to secure the new infrastructure and incentivize node participation. Unlike OXEN, Session Token does not offer built-in privacy features. However, its compatibility with Ethereum-based privacy protocols opens doors for optional privacy-preserving transactions, leveraging the rapid innovation occurring in Web3.

Session has clarified that the new token will not be required for using the core features of the app. All messaging capabilities will remain free, continuing the project's commitment to accessible and censorship-resistant communication. Instead, Session Token will be used to simplify the process of running a node, which previously involved complex Oxen wallet management and staking procedures. With the new system, joining the network will be a matter of minutes, facilitated through intuitive web-based interfaces.

The new ecosystem also introduces an automatic, decentralized revenue feedback loop: Session Tokens spent on optional in-app features will be funneled back to the network, removing reliance on central intermediaries and helping secure the project's financial sustainability. This shift also aligns with STF's mission to maintain transparency and independence in a challenging regulatory environment.

Session's migration is the latest milestone in a broader effort to reinforce its privacy posture. The project relocated its base of operations from Australia to Switzerland in October 2024 in response to escalating legal pressures on encrypted technologies. The Swiss-based STF took over stewardship from the Open Privacy Technology Foundation (OPTF), enabling Session to operate in a jurisdiction known for robust digital privacy protections. The STF now manages the project's GitHub repositories, encryption keys, and software distribution.

By aligning the Session app, network, and cryptocurrency under one cohesive brand, the migration aims to eliminate lingering confusion and reduce onboarding friction for users and developers alike. The move also reflects a maturation of Session's architecture, away from a dependency on a legacy privacy coin ecosystem that saw limited adoption outside crypto-native circles.