Note: this format DOES NOT define any kinds related to a new direct messaging standard, only the encryption required to define one.

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Every nostr user has their own public key, which solves key distribution problems present in other solutions. However, nostr's relay-based architecture makes it difficult to implement more robust private messaging protocols with things like metadata hiding, forward secrecy, and post compromise secrecy.

The goal of this NIP is to have a simple way to encrypt payloads used in the context of a signed event. When applying this NIP to any use case, it's important to keep in mind your users' threat model and this NIP's limitations.