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GNU Taler
GNU Taler
A payment system that makes privacy-friendly online transactions fast and easy.
A payment system that makes privacy-friendly online transactions fast and easy.
Quick Links
Quick Links
FAQ
FAQ
Docs
Docs
Bibliography
Bibliography
Development
Development
Contact Overview
Contact Overview
Bug Tracker (Mantis)
Bug Tracker (Mantis)
Taler Demo Pages
Taler Demo Pages
Taler Public Mailing List
Taler Public Mailing List
Email Contacts
Email Contacts
General Inquiries
General Inquiries
Sales
Sales
Marketing
Marketing
PR and Media Contact
PR and Media Contact
Investors Contact
Investors Contact
Support
Support
Mailing List
Mailing List
Legal Information
Legal Information
GNU Taler is developed as part of the <a href="https://www.gnu.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GNU project</a> for the GNU operating system.
GNU Taler is developed as part of the <a href="https://www.gnu.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GNU project</a> for the GNU operating system.
We are grateful for support and free hosting of this site by <a href="https://www.bfh.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BFH</a>.
We are grateful for support and free hosting of this site by <a href="https://www.bfh.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BFH</a>.
This page was created using <a href="https://www.gnu.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Software</a> only.
This page was created using <a href="https://www.gnu.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Software</a> only.
JavaScript license information
JavaScript license information
Skip to main content
Skip to main content
Features
Features
Principles
Principles
NGI Taler
NGI Taler
News
News
Taxable Anonymous Libre Electronic Reserves
Taxable Anonymous Libre Electronic Reserves
Taler System Architecture
Taler System Architecture
GNU Taler Bibliography
GNU Taler Bibliography
by
by
and
and
This is the page for the Taler cashier App. It allows the cashier to grant Taler users the right to withdraw a certain amount of e-cash from the cashier's bank account. Thus, it offers an equivalent functionality to what you may find on the bank Web site when withdrawing from an account there.
This is the page for the Taler cashier App. It allows the cashier to grant Taler users the right to withdraw a certain amount of e-cash from the cashier's bank account. Thus, it offers an equivalent functionality to what you may find on the bank Web site when withdrawing from an account there.
Install Android App from Google App Store, or
Install Android App from Google App Store, or
Download App from F-Droid.org.
Download App from F-Droid.org.
GNU Taler Mailing List
GNU Taler Mailing List
A public mailing list for GNU Taler is hosted at <a href="https://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/taler" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/taler</a>, <a href="https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/taler/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">archived here</a>. You can send messages to the list via email to <a href="mailto:taler'AT'gnu.org">taler'AT'gnu.org</a>.
A public mailing list for GNU Taler is hosted at <a href="https://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/taler" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/taler</a>, <a href="https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/taler/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">archived here</a>. You can send messages to the list via email to <a href="mailto:taler'AT'gnu.org">taler'AT'gnu.org</a>.
You can reach a group of team members handling general inquiries by sending emails to <a href="mailto:contact'AT'taler.net">contact'AT'taler.net</a>.
You can reach a group of team members handling general inquiries by sending emails to <a href="mailto:contact'AT'taler.net">contact'AT'taler.net</a>.
Reporting Bugs
Reporting Bugs
We track open feature requests and bugs in our
We track open feature requests and bugs in our
Bug tracker
Bug tracker
which is shared with the GNUnet project. You can also report bugs or feature requests to the mailing list.
which is shared with the GNUnet project. You can also report bugs or feature requests to the mailing list.
Contacting Individuals
Contacting Individuals
Team members are generally reachable at <tt>LASTNAME AT taler.net</tt>. All of us support receiving GnuPG encrypted e-mails.
Team members are generally reachable at <tt>LASTNAME AT taler.net</tt>. All of us support receiving GnuPG encrypted e-mails.
Chat
Chat
We frequently discuss issues using <a href="https://mumble.sf.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mumble</a> on <tt>gnunet.org</tt>. Feel free to join us in the lobby or developer rooms.
We frequently discuss issues using <a href="https://mumble.sf.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mumble</a> on <tt>gnunet.org</tt>. Feel free to join us in the lobby or developer rooms.
Executive Team
Executive Team
For non-technical commercial requests, please contact <a href="mailto:ceo'AT'taler-systems.com">ceo'AT'taler-systems.com</a>.
For non-technical commercial requests, please contact <a href="mailto:ceo'AT'taler-systems.com">ceo'AT'taler-systems.com</a>.
Community Forum
Community Forum
Our community forum for Taler is located at<a href="https://ich.taler.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> the Integration Community Hub (TALER ICH)</a>.
Our community forum for Taler is located at<a href="https://ich.taler.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> the Integration Community Hub (TALER ICH)</a>.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and Marketing
You can reach our Head of Marketing handling your requests by sending an email to <a href="mailto:sales'AT'taler.net">sales'AT'taler.net</a> respectively <a href="mailto:marketing'AT'taler.net">marketing'AT'taler.net</a>.
You can reach our Head of Marketing handling your requests by sending an email to <a href="mailto:sales'AT'taler.net">sales'AT'taler.net</a> respectively <a href="mailto:marketing'AT'taler.net">marketing'AT'taler.net</a>.
Onboarding
Onboarding
If you want to contribute to GNU Taler you can send us an email to <a href="mailto:onboarding'AT'taler-systems.com">onboarding'AT'taler-systems.com</a> or look up <a href="https://taler-systems.com/en/company.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">open positions and job opportunities</a>.
If you want to contribute to GNU Taler you can send us an email to <a href="mailto:onboarding'AT'taler-systems.com">onboarding'AT'taler-systems.com</a> or look up <a href="https://taler-systems.com/en/company.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">open positions and job opportunities</a>.
Public Relations and Media Contact
Public Relations and Media Contact
You can reach our team members responsible for PR, press and media contacts via email to <a href="mailto:press'AT'taler.net">press'AT'taler.net</a>.
You can reach our team members responsible for PR, press and media contacts via email to <a href="mailto:press'AT'taler.net">press'AT'taler.net</a>.
Copyright Assignment
Copyright Assignment
Contributors to GNU Taler with Git access must sign the <a href="/pdf/copyright.pdf">copyright assignment</a> to ensure that the <a href="https://git.gnunet.org/gnunet-ev.git/tree/gnunet_taler_agreement.tex">GNUnet e.V. --- Taler Systems SA agreement on licensing and collaborative development</a> of the GNUnet and GNU Taler projects is satisfied.
Contributors to GNU Taler with Git access must sign the <a href="/pdf/copyright.pdf">copyright assignment</a> to ensure that the <a href="https://git.gnunet.org/gnunet-ev.git/tree/gnunet_taler_agreement.tex">GNUnet e.V. --- Taler Systems SA agreement on licensing and collaborative development</a> of the GNUnet and GNU Taler projects is satisfied.
The agreements ensure that the code will continue to be made available under free software licenses, which gives developers the freedom to move code between GNUnet and GNU Taler without worrying about licenses and the company the ability to dual-license (for example, so that we can distribute via App-stores that are hostile to free software).
The agreements ensure that the code will continue to be made available under free software licenses, which gives developers the freedom to move code between GNUnet and GNU Taler without worrying about licenses and the company the ability to dual-license (for example, so that we can distribute via App-stores that are hostile to free software).
Minor contributions (basically, anyone without Git access) do not require copyright assignment. Pseudonymous contributions are accepted, in this case simply sign the agreement with your pseudonym. Scanned copies are sufficient, but snail mail is preferred.
Minor contributions (basically, anyone without Git access) do not require copyright assignment. Pseudonymous contributions are accepted, in this case simply sign the agreement with your pseudonym. Scanned copies are sufficient, but snail mail is preferred.
GNU Taler: Links and Information for Code Development
GNU Taler: Links and Information for Code Development
Developer Services
Developer Services
Git Repositories
Git Repositories
Git repositories for all of GNU Taler.
Git repositories for all of GNU Taler.
lcov Results
lcov Results
Shows results of the code coverage analysis for our test suite.
Shows results of the code coverage analysis for our test suite.
Continuous Integration
Continuous Integration
Continuous integration and deployment is managed by our Buildbot.
Continuous integration and deployment is managed by our Buildbot.
Internationalization
Internationalization
By using <a href="https://weblate.taler.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Weblate</a> everyone in the community can contribute with translations to the web pages and the GNU Taler applications.
By using <a href="https://weblate.taler.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Weblate</a> everyone in the community can contribute with translations to the web pages and the GNU Taler applications.
Twister
Twister
HTTP modifying man-in-the-middle proxy to test error handling.
HTTP modifying man-in-the-middle proxy to test error handling.
Experimental Work
Experimental Work
SMC Auctions
SMC Auctions
Secure multiparty auction protocol (future Taler Exchange extension).
Secure multiparty auction protocol (future Taler Exchange extension).
MCH 2022 Badge Integration
MCH 2022 Badge Integration
Accept GNU Taler payments on your MCH 2022 badge.
Accept GNU Taler payments on your MCH 2022 badge.
EMVco Integration
EMVco Integration
Integration with EMVco PoS systems (to be started soon).
Integration with EMVco PoS systems (to be started soon).
Taler Vault
Taler Vault
Hardware security module for GNU Taler (to be started soon).
Hardware security module for GNU Taler (to be started soon).
Payage Payment Plugin
Payage Payment Plugin
GNU Taler payment plugin for Payage/Joomla! (coming soon).
GNU Taler payment plugin for Payage/Joomla! (coming soon).
Community Interaction
Community Interaction
The public GNU Taler mailing list.
The public GNU Taler mailing list.
Bug Tracker
Bug Tracker
Our bug tracker for bugs and feature requests.
Our bug tracker for bugs and feature requests.
Description of our taler.net setup and how to contribute.
Description of our taler.net setup and how to contribute.
GNU Taler: Documentation and Resources
GNU Taler: Documentation and Resources
This is an overview of documentation and other resources for GNU Taler. The full documentation contents can be found <a href="https://docs.taler.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.
This is an overview of documentation and other resources for GNU Taler. The full documentation contents can be found <a href="https://docs.taler.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.
Core Component Documentation
Core Component Documentation
Merchant Backend Administration
Merchant Backend Administration
Tutorial and manual for operating a merchant.
Tutorial and manual for operating a merchant.
Merchant API Tutorial
Merchant API Tutorial
Tutorial for processing Taler payments using the merchant backend API.
Tutorial for processing Taler payments using the merchant backend API.
Back Office
Back Office
Manual to run the back-office Web application.
Manual to run the back-office Web application.
Merchant POS Terminal
Merchant POS Terminal
Manual for configuring and using the point of sale app.
Manual for configuring and using the point of sale app.
Exchange
Exchange
Operator's manual for the GNU Taler Exchange.
Operator's manual for the GNU Taler Exchange.
Bank Integration
Bank Integration
Manual for tightly integrating Taler with banking applications.
Manual for tightly integrating Taler with banking applications.
Wallet
Wallet
Manual about the Taler wallets (WebExtensions, Android, iOS, CLI). You can download pre-packaged binaries from <a href="wallet.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Taler wallet Web site</a>.
Manual about the Taler wallets (WebExtensions, Android, iOS, CLI). You can download pre-packaged binaries from <a href="wallet.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Taler wallet Web site</a>.
Cashier
Cashier
An app for taking in cash and handing out electronic cash.
An app for taking in cash and handing out electronic cash.
Age Restrictions
Age Restrictions
Cryptographic background on how parents can set age-restrictions on Taler coins to protect minors from inappropriate purchases while preserving privacy for everyone.
Cryptographic background on how parents can set age-restrictions on Taler coins to protect minors from inappropriate purchases while preserving privacy for everyone.
Supplemental services
Supplemental services
GNU Anastasis
GNU Anastasis
Privacy-preserving distributed key escrow and recovery services.
Privacy-preserving distributed key escrow and recovery services.
libeufin
libeufin
Implementation of the Taler wire gateway over the EBICS/FinTS protocol suite, including stand-alone bank (for regional currencies).
Implementation of the Taler wire gateway over the EBICS/FinTS protocol suite, including stand-alone bank (for regional currencies).
Depolymerization
Depolymerization
Implementation of the Taler wire gateway over the Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchains.
Implementation of the Taler wire gateway over the Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchains.
Sync
Sync
Encrypted data backup and recovery service.
Encrypted data backup and recovery service.
Taler Mailbox
Taler Mailbox
Reliably deliver payment messages between Taler wallets.
Reliably deliver payment messages between Taler wallets.
TalDir
TalDir
Directory to associate addresses (e-mail, phone numbers, etc.) with Taler wallets.
Directory to associate addresses (e-mail, phone numbers, etc.) with Taler wallets.
Extensions
Extensions
Taler-MDB
Taler-MDB
Integration of GNU Taler with the Multi-Drop-Bus (MDB) protocol commonly used in vending machines. Deployed at a coffee-and-snack machine at <a href="https://www.bfh.ch/ti/de/aktuell/medienmitteilungen/2020/die-technik-von-taler-ueberzeugt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BFH</a>.
Integration of GNU Taler with the Multi-Drop-Bus (MDB) protocol commonly used in vending machines. Deployed at a coffee-and-snack machine at <a href="https://www.bfh.ch/ti/de/aktuell/medienmitteilungen/2020/die-technik-von-taler-ueberzeugt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BFH</a>.
WooCommerce Payment Backend
WooCommerce Payment Backend
GNU Taler payment plugin for the WooCommerce e-commerce solution (itself based on WordPress).
GNU Taler payment plugin for the WooCommerce e-commerce solution (itself based on WordPress).
Pretix Payment Backend
Pretix Payment Backend
GNU Taler payment plugin for the Pretix ticketing system.
GNU Taler payment plugin for the Pretix ticketing system.
Joomla! Payment Backend
Joomla! Payment Backend
GNU Taler payment plugin for the Joomla! e-commerce solution.
GNU Taler payment plugin for the Joomla! e-commerce solution.
Internals Documentation
Internals Documentation
HTTP API
HTTP API
Reference for the HTTP-based API for Taler components.
Reference for the HTTP-based API for Taler components.
Tutorials
Tutorials
Video tutorials for working with GNU Taler.
Video tutorials for working with GNU Taler.
Know-your-customer
Know-your-customer
Overview on Know-your-customer (KYC) integrations for a Taler Exchange.
Overview on Know-your-customer (KYC) integrations for a Taler Exchange.
GNU Taler: Frequently Asked Questions
GNU Taler: Frequently Asked Questions
How is Taler related to Bitcoin or Blockchains?
How is Taler related to Bitcoin or Blockchains?
Taler does not require any Blockchain technology, and is also not based on proof-of-work or any other distributed consensus mechanism. Instead, Taler is based on blind signatures. However, it is theoretically possible to combine Taler with peer-to-peer crypto-currencies like Bitcoin.
Taler does not require any Blockchain technology, and is also not based on proof-of-work or any other distributed consensus mechanism. Instead, Taler is based on blind signatures. However, it is theoretically possible to combine Taler with peer-to-peer crypto-currencies like Bitcoin.
It would be possible, however, to withdraw coins denominated in Bitcoin into a Taler wallet (with an appropriate exchange), which would give some benefits over plain Bitcoin, such as instant confirmation times.
It would be possible, however, to withdraw coins denominated in Bitcoin into a Taler wallet (with an appropriate exchange), which would give some benefits over plain Bitcoin, such as instant confirmation times.
Where is the balance in my wallet stored?
Where is the balance in my wallet stored?
Your wallet stores digital cash and thus ultimately your computer holds your balance. The Taler Exchange keeps funds matching all unspent digital cash in a settlement account.
Your wallet stores digital cash and thus ultimately your computer holds your balance. The Taler Exchange keeps funds matching all unspent digital cash in a settlement account.
What if my wallet is lost?
What if my wallet is lost?
Since Taler's digital cash in your wallet is anonymized, the exchange cannot assist you in recovering a lost or stolen wallet. Just like with a physical wallet for cash, you are responsible for keeping it safe.
Since Taler's digital cash in your wallet is anonymized, the exchange cannot assist you in recovering a lost or stolen wallet. Just like with a physical wallet for cash, you are responsible for keeping it safe.
The risk of losing a wallet can be mitigated by making backups or keeping the balance reasonably low.
The risk of losing a wallet can be mitigated by making backups or keeping the balance reasonably low.
What if my computer is hacked?
What if my computer is hacked?
In case of a compromise of one of your devices, an attacker can spend digital cash from your wallet. Checking your balance might reveal to you whether your device has eventually been compromised. If a coin has been spent, this coin cannot be spent a second time. The Exchange examines every coin whether it has been spent and thus makes double spending impossible.
In case of a compromise of one of your devices, an attacker can spend digital cash from your wallet. Checking your balance might reveal to you whether your device has eventually been compromised. If a coin has been spent, this coin cannot be spent a second time. The Exchange examines every coin whether it has been spent and thus makes double spending impossible.
How do I install a Taler wallet on my browser?
How do I install a Taler wallet on my browser?
Please visit the <a href="https://wallet.taler.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Taler wallet install page</a> for browser extensions and select the wallet matching with your browser type.
Please visit the <a href="https://wallet.taler.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Taler wallet install page</a> for browser extensions and select the wallet matching with your browser type.
How do I install a Taler wallet on my phone?
How do I install a Taler wallet on my phone?
Please visit an app store matching with your smartphone and select the Taler app. You will find links on <a href="https://wallet.taler.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> the wallet install page</a> guiding you to the respective app stores.
Please visit an app store matching with your smartphone and select the Taler app. You will find links on <a href="https://wallet.taler.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> the wallet install page</a> guiding you to the respective app stores.
Can I send money to my friends with Taler?
Can I send money to my friends with Taler?
Taler supports push and pull payments between wallets (also known as peer-to-peer payments). While the payment appears to be directly between wallets, technically the operation is intermediated by the payment service provider which will typically be legally required to identify the recipient of the funds before allowing the transaction to complete.
Taler supports push and pull payments between wallets (also known as peer-to-peer payments). While the payment appears to be directly between wallets, technically the operation is intermediated by the payment service provider which will typically be legally required to identify the recipient of the funds before allowing the transaction to complete.
How does Taler handle payments in different currencies?
How does Taler handle payments in different currencies?
Taler wallets can store digital coins corresponding to multiple different currencies such as the Euro, US Dollars or Bitcoins.
Taler wallets can store digital coins corresponding to multiple different currencies such as the Euro, US Dollars or Bitcoins.
Taler currently does not offer conversion between currencies.
Taler currently does not offer conversion between currencies.
How does Taler protect my privacy?
How does Taler protect my privacy?
Your wallet stores digital coins that are <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_signature">blindly signed</a> by an exchange. The use of a blind signature protects your privacy as it prevents the exchange from knowing which coin it signed for which customer.
Your wallet stores digital coins that are <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_signature">blindly signed</a> by an exchange. The use of a blind signature protects your privacy as it prevents the exchange from knowing which coin it signed for which customer.
How much does it cost?
How much does it cost?
The Taler protocol allows any exchange to set its own fee structure, allowing operators to set fees for withdrawing, depositing, refreshing or refunding coins. Operators can also charge fees for closing reserves and for (aggregated) wire transfers to merchants. Merchants may choose to cover some of the fees customers incur. Actual transaction costs are estimated around 0.001 cent/transaction (at high transaction rates, amortized over billions of transactions, excluding migration costs). Note that this is an early estimate, details may depend on hosting and backup requirements from the regulator and could thus easily be 10x higher.
The Taler protocol allows any exchange to set its own fee structure, allowing operators to set fees for withdrawing, depositing, refreshing or refunding coins. Operators can also charge fees for closing reserves and for (aggregated) wire transfers to merchants. Merchants may choose to cover some of the fees customers incur. Actual transaction costs are estimated around 0.001 cent/transaction (at high transaction rates, amortized over billions of transactions, excluding migration costs). Note that this is an early estimate, details may depend on hosting and backup requirements from the regulator and could thus easily be 10x higher.
Does Taler work with international payments?
Does Taler work with international payments?
Taler's wallet supports multiple currencies, but the system currently does not support conversion between currencies. However, in principle an entity that accepts deposits in one currency and allows withdrawals in another currency could be created. Still, the regulatory hurdles in this case tend to be particularly complex. The focus for Taler is on day-to-day payments, so we have no plans to support currency conversion in the near future.
Taler's wallet supports multiple currencies, but the system currently does not support conversion between currencies. However, in principle an entity that accepts deposits in one currency and allows withdrawals in another currency could be created. Still, the regulatory hurdles in this case tend to be particularly complex. The focus for Taler is on day-to-day payments, so we have no plans to support currency conversion in the near future.
How does Taler relate to the (European) Electronic Money Directive?
How does Taler relate to the (European) Electronic Money Directive?
We believe the European Electronic Money Directive provides part of the regulatory framework a Taler exchange with coins denominated in Euros would have to follow.
We believe the European Electronic Money Directive provides part of the regulatory framework a Taler exchange with coins denominated in Euros would have to follow.
What bank would guarantee the conversion between Taler coins and bank money in regular bank accounts?
What bank would guarantee the conversion between Taler coins and bank money in regular bank accounts?
The exchange would be operated by a bank or in cooperation with a bank, and that bank would hold the funds in escrow respectively on an internal settlement account. Note that this bank could be a regular bank or a central bank for a central bank digital currency. Irrespective of this, the bank would fall under the relevant financial services regulations, which is one reason why consumers can rely on the conversion of Taler coins into normal bank money.
The exchange would be operated by a bank or in cooperation with a bank, and that bank would hold the funds in escrow respectively on an internal settlement account. Note that this bank could be a regular bank or a central bank for a central bank digital currency. Irrespective of this, the bank would fall under the relevant financial services regulations, which is one reason why consumers can rely on the conversion of Taler coins into normal bank money.
To whom would consumers complain to in case of non-conversion or non-compliance?
To whom would consumers complain to in case of non-conversion or non-compliance?
From a technical point of view, any exchange is audited by one or more independent auditors. Merchants and consumer wallets will report certain issues automatically to the auditors, but auditors may also provide a method for manual submission of issues. The auditors are expected to make their reports available to the respective regulatory authorities, or even the general public. </p> <p> From a legal point of view, users can always turn to their national authority responsible for settling disputes concerning the management of exchange services. For exchange services conducting business in Germany, this would be the general authority in charge of disputes (<a href="https://www.verbraucher-schlichter.de">Universalschlichtungsstelle des Bundes</a>). In addition to this, the European Online Dispute Resolution (see <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/odr">ODR</a>) as a platform provided by the European Commission can be called for the settlement of disputes concerning exchange services headquartered in member states of the European Union.
From a technical point of view, any exchange is audited by one or more independent auditors. Merchants and consumer wallets will report certain issues automatically to the auditors, but auditors may also provide a method for manual submission of issues. The auditors are expected to make their reports available to the respective regulatory authorities, or even the general public. </p> <p> From a legal point of view, users can always turn to their national authority responsible for settling disputes concerning the management of exchange services. For exchange services conducting business in Germany, this would be the general authority in charge of disputes (<a href="https://www.verbraucher-schlichter.de">Universalschlichtungsstelle des Bundes</a>). In addition to this, the European Online Dispute Resolution (see <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/odr">ODR</a>) as a platform provided by the European Commission can be called for the settlement of disputes concerning exchange services headquartered in member states of the European Union.
Are there any projects already using Taler?
Are there any projects already using Taler?
We are aware of several businesses running exploratory projects or having developed working prototypes. We are also in discussions with several regular banks as well as several central banks about the project. That said, there are currently no products in the market yet, and we believe this would be premature given the state of the project (see also <a href="https://bugs.gnunet.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our bugtracker</a> for a list of open issues).
We are aware of several businesses running exploratory projects or having developed working prototypes. We are also in discussions with several regular banks as well as several central banks about the project. That said, there are currently no products in the market yet, and we believe this would be premature given the state of the project (see also <a href="https://bugs.gnunet.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our bugtracker</a> for a list of open issues).
Does Taler support recurring payments?
Does Taler support recurring payments?
Today, our wallet implementation does not support recurring payments. Recurring payments, where some fixed amount is paid on a regular basis are in theory possible with Taler, but they come with a few caveats. Specifically, recurring payments can only work if the Taler wallet is running and online around the desired time. Furthermore, given their repetitive nature they are linkable, and could thus be used to deanonymize the user making the recurring payment, for example by forcing the user offline at the time of the payment and observing that it does then not happen on time. Finally, the Taler wallet does not work with credit and thus the user would have to make sure to carry a sufficient balance for the recurring payment to be made. Still, they can be useful, and a future version of the Taler wallet will likely support them. But this is not a feature that we are targeting for Taler 1.0. at this time.
Today, our wallet implementation does not support recurring payments. Recurring payments, where some fixed amount is paid on a regular basis are in theory possible with Taler, but they come with a few caveats. Specifically, recurring payments can only work if the Taler wallet is running and online around the desired time. Furthermore, given their repetitive nature they are linkable, and could thus be used to deanonymize the user making the recurring payment, for example by forcing the user offline at the time of the payment and observing that it does then not happen on time. Finally, the Taler wallet does not work with credit and thus the user would have to make sure to carry a sufficient balance for the recurring payment to be made. Still, they can be useful, and a future version of the Taler wallet will likely support them. But this is not a feature that we are targeting for Taler 1.0. at this time.
In case that customers or merchants have reason to complain about the Taler payment system, Taler Operations AG will be their first point of contact. We are always grateful for your suggestions for improvement and for error messages. The best way to file these is done via our <a href="https://bugs.gnunet.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bug tracker</a>. The ticket system makes it possible to submit reports anonymously. </p> <p> Taler Operations AG is a member at VQF, a Swiss association for the quality assurance of financial services (Verein zur Qualitätssicherung von Finanzdienstleistungen, General-Guisan-Str. 6, 6300 Zug, phone +41 41 763 28 20) where users could also turn to in case of complaints.
In case that customers or merchants have reason to complain about the Taler payment system, Taler Operations AG will be their first point of contact. We are always grateful for your suggestions for improvement and for error messages. The best way to file these is done via our <a href="https://bugs.gnunet.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bug tracker</a>. The ticket system makes it possible to submit reports anonymously. </p> <p> Taler Operations AG is a member at VQF, a Swiss association for the quality assurance of financial services (Verein zur Qualitätssicherung von Finanzdienstleistungen, General-Guisan-Str. 6, 6300 Zug, phone +41 41 763 28 20) where users could also turn to in case of complaints.
GNU Taler: Features
GNU Taler: Features
GNU Taler is a <span class="tlr">privacy-preserving</span> payment system. Customers can stay anonymous, but merchants can not hide their income through payments with GNU Taler. This helps to <span class="tlr">avoid tax evasion and money laundering</span>.
GNU Taler is a <span class="tlr">privacy-preserving</span> payment system. Customers can stay anonymous, but merchants can not hide their income through payments with GNU Taler. This helps to <span class="tlr">avoid tax evasion and money laundering</span>.
The primary use case of GNU Taler is <span class="tlr">payments</span>; it is <span class="tlr">not meant as a store</span> of value. Payments are always backed by an existing currency.
The primary use case of GNU Taler is <span class="tlr">payments</span>; it is <span class="tlr">not meant as a store</span> of value. Payments are always backed by an existing currency.
Payments are made after <span class="tlr">exchanging existing money</span> into <em>electronic money</em> with the help of an Exchange service, that is, a payment service provider for Taler.
Payments are made after <span class="tlr">exchanging existing money</span> into <em>electronic money</em> with the help of an Exchange service, that is, a payment service provider for Taler.
When making a payment, customers only need a loaded wallet. A merchant can accept payments <span class="tlr">without making their customers register</span> on the merchant's Website.
When making a payment, customers only need a loaded wallet. A merchant can accept payments <span class="tlr">without making their customers register</span> on the merchant's Website.
GNU Taler is <span class="tlr">immune against many types of fraud</span>, such as phishing of credit card information or chargeback fraud. In case of loss or theft, only the limited amount of money left in the wallet might be gone.
GNU Taler is <span class="tlr">immune against many types of fraud</span>, such as phishing of credit card information or chargeback fraud. In case of loss or theft, only the limited amount of money left in the wallet might be gone.
Paying with Taler
Paying with Taler
To pay with Taler, customers install an electronic wallet on their device. Before the first payment, the desired currency must be added to the wallet's balance by some other means of payment.
To pay with Taler, customers install an electronic wallet on their device. Before the first payment, the desired currency must be added to the wallet's balance by some other means of payment.
Once the wallet is loaded, payments on websites take only one click, are never falsely rejected by fraud detection and do not pose any risk of phishing or identity theft.
Once the wallet is loaded, payments on websites take only one click, are never falsely rejected by fraud detection and do not pose any risk of phishing or identity theft.
Try it yourself with the interactive demo!
Try it yourself with the interactive demo!
Receiving payments with Taler
Receiving payments with Taler
To receive Taler payments, a merchant needs a bank account in the desired currency. We provide supporting software in various programming languages to make the integration painless. The merchant's backend for Taler transaction processing can run on the merchant's premises or be hosted by a third party.
To receive Taler payments, a merchant needs a bank account in the desired currency. We provide supporting software in various programming languages to make the integration painless. The merchant's backend for Taler transaction processing can run on the merchant's premises or be hosted by a third party.
Merchant integration is simple, and customers can pay for products without even having to register an account.
Merchant integration is simple, and customers can pay for products without even having to register an account.
See how merchant integration works in our developer documentation!
See how merchant integration works in our developer documentation!
Practical
Practical
Taler is easy to integrate with existing Web applications. Payments are cryptographically secured and are confirmed within milliseconds with extremely low transaction costs.
Taler is easy to integrate with existing Web applications. Payments are cryptographically secured and are confirmed within milliseconds with extremely low transaction costs.
Stable
Stable
Taler does not introduce a new currency. Taler uses a digital wallet storing coins and payment service providers with settlement accounts in existing currencies. Thus, Taler's cryptographic coins correspond to existing currencies, such as US Dollars, Euros or even Bitcoins.
Taler does not introduce a new currency. Taler uses a digital wallet storing coins and payment service providers with settlement accounts in existing currencies. Thus, Taler's cryptographic coins correspond to existing currencies, such as US Dollars, Euros or even Bitcoins.
Secure
Secure
By design Taler does not suffer from many classes of security problems such as phishing or counterfeit. Thanks to its security features, Taler never rejects a legitimate customer due to a fraud-detection false positive.
By design Taler does not suffer from many classes of security problems such as phishing or counterfeit. Thanks to its security features, Taler never rejects a legitimate customer due to a fraud-detection false positive.
Taxable
Taxable
When using Taler, merchant's revenue is transparent for tax collection authorities. Unlike cash and most digital currencies, Taler helps prevent black markets. Taler is not suitable for illegal activities.
When using Taler, merchant's revenue is transparent for tax collection authorities. Unlike cash and most digital currencies, Taler helps prevent black markets. Taler is not suitable for illegal activities.
Private
Private
When you pay with Taler, your identity does not have to be revealed. Just like payments in cash, nobody else can track how you spent your electronic money. However, you obtain a legally valid proof of payment.
When you pay with Taler, your identity does not have to be revealed. Just like payments in cash, nobody else can track how you spent your electronic money. However, you obtain a legally valid proof of payment.
Libre
Libre
Taler provides protocols and reference implementations that, in principle, enable anyone to run their own payment infrastructure, whether they are individuals, organizations, or entire countries. Since the reference implementation is a
Taler provides protocols and reference implementations that, in principle, enable anyone to run their own payment infrastructure, whether they are individuals, organizations, or entire countries. Since the reference implementation is a
package, it will always remain free software.
package, it will always remain free software.
Financial News
Financial News
This page explains (only in English) how Taler can change ongoing developments in the financial industry.
This page explains (only in English) how Taler can change ongoing developments in the financial industry.
Support for GNU Taler
Support for GNU Taler
Current funding
Current funding
This project is about adding KYC and AML support to GNU Taler by integrating rules for conditions that require users to authenticate or exchange operators to review records for AML. We will be integrating support for KYC via the open OAuth2.0 standard as well as a few (sadly) proprietary APIs to enable compliance. We will also be implementing a (simple) address verification service using the OAuth 2.0 API.
This project is about adding KYC and AML support to GNU Taler by integrating rules for conditions that require users to authenticate or exchange operators to review records for AML. We will be integrating support for KYC via the open OAuth2.0 standard as well as a few (sadly) proprietary APIs to enable compliance. We will also be implementing a (simple) address verification service using the OAuth 2.0 API.
This project is about implementing a GNU Taler wallet for the iOS platform. The wallet is to support all of the features of the existing Android and WebExtension wallets.
This project is about implementing a GNU Taler wallet for the iOS platform. The wallet is to support all of the features of the existing Android and WebExtension wallets.
This project is about implementing a GNU Name System registrar with GNU Taler support for privacy-preserving payments to register domain names.
This project is about implementing a GNU Name System registrar with GNU Taler support for privacy-preserving payments to register domain names.
This project is about improving the usability of GNU Taler for regional currencies. It improves account management in libeufin to turn it into a comprehensive stand-alone bank service. We are also adding currency conversion to enable users to convert from and to the regional currency. Furthermore, some time was spent on requirements analysis, revealing the need for merchants without digital infrastructure to receive payments, resulting in us implementing templating support that enables payments to merchants that are fully offline.
This project is about improving the usability of GNU Taler for regional currencies. It improves account management in libeufin to turn it into a comprehensive stand-alone bank service. We are also adding currency conversion to enable users to convert from and to the regional currency. Furthermore, some time was spent on requirements analysis, revealing the need for merchants without digital infrastructure to receive payments, resulting in us implementing templating support that enables payments to merchants that are fully offline.
We are grateful for free hosting offered by the following organizations:
We are grateful for free hosting offered by the following organizations:
We are grateful for translation support offered by the following organizations (and <a href="https://weblate.taler.net/stats/">all the volunteers</a> that are helping with the translation effort):
We are grateful for translation support offered by the following organizations (and <a href="https://weblate.taler.net/stats/">all the volunteers</a> that are helping with the translation effort):
Past funding
Past funding
We are grateful for past funding from the following organizations:
We are grateful for past funding from the following organizations:
We received funding under NGI POINTER to add P2P payments and make GNU Taler more programmable. P2P payments allow wallets to request payments (invoicing) and to offer digital cash directly to other wallets. We also implemented age-restricted payments that allow merchants to validate the age of buyers without disclosing additional information. Finally, we created an early prototype for auctions (but without full integration across all GNU Taler components).
We received funding under NGI POINTER to add P2P payments and make GNU Taler more programmable. P2P payments allow wallets to request payments (invoicing) and to offer digital cash directly to other wallets. We also implemented age-restricted payments that allow merchants to validate the age of buyers without disclosing additional information. Finally, we created an early prototype for auctions (but without full integration across all GNU Taler components).
This project improved the security of the GNU Taler exchange via an external code audit, and created a competent external security auditor to help with safely operating the Taler payment system.
This project improved the security of the GNU Taler exchange via an external code audit, and created a competent external security auditor to help with safely operating the Taler payment system.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the NGI_TRUST grant agreement no 825618. The project aims to integrate re:claimID with the GNU Taler payment system in a pilot in order to demonstrate the practical feasibility and benefits of privacy enhancing technologies for users and commercial service providers. The project is called "Decentralized Identities for Self-Sovereign End-users" (DISSENS).
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the NGI_TRUST grant agreement no 825618. The project aims to integrate re:claimID with the GNU Taler payment system in a pilot in order to demonstrate the practical feasibility and benefits of privacy enhancing technologies for users and commercial service providers. The project is called "Decentralized Identities for Self-Sovereign End-users" (DISSENS).
Advantages for Governments
Advantages for Governments
Taler provides accountability to ensure business operate legally, while also respecting civil liberties of citizens. Taler is a payment system based on open standards and free software. Taler needs governments as they set a financial framework and act as trusted regulators. Taler contributes to digital sovereignty in the critical financial infrastructure.
Taler provides accountability to ensure business operate legally, while also respecting civil liberties of citizens. Taler is a payment system based on open standards and free software. Taler needs governments as they set a financial framework and act as trusted regulators. Taler contributes to digital sovereignty in the critical financial infrastructure.
Taler was built with the goal of fighting corruption and supporting taxation. With Taler, the receiver of any form of payment is easily identified by the government, and the merchant can be compelled to provide the contract that was accepted by the customer. Governments can use this data to tax businesses and individuals based on their income, making tax evasion and black markets less viable.
Taler was built with the goal of fighting corruption and supporting taxation. With Taler, the receiver of any form of payment is easily identified by the government, and the merchant can be compelled to provide the contract that was accepted by the customer. Governments can use this data to tax businesses and individuals based on their income, making tax evasion and black markets less viable.
Thus, despite offering anonymity for citizens spending digital cash to buy goods and services, Taler also ensures that the state can observe incoming funds. This can be used to ensure businesses engage only in legal activities, and do not evade income tax, sales tax or value-added tax. However, this observational capability does not extend to the immediate personal domain. In particular, monitoring does not cover shared access to funds with trusted friends and family, or synchronizing wallets across multiple devices.
Thus, despite offering anonymity for citizens spending digital cash to buy goods and services, Taler also ensures that the state can observe incoming funds. This can be used to ensure businesses engage only in legal activities, and do not evade income tax, sales tax or value-added tax. However, this observational capability does not extend to the immediate personal domain. In particular, monitoring does not cover shared access to funds with trusted friends and family, or synchronizing wallets across multiple devices.
Taler's payments are cryptographically secured. Thus, customers, merchants and the Taler payment service provider (the exchange) can mathematically demonstrate their lawful behavior in court in case of disputes. Financial damages are strictly limited, improving economic security for individuals, merchants, the exchange and the state.
Taler's payments are cryptographically secured. Thus, customers, merchants and the Taler payment service provider (the exchange) can mathematically demonstrate their lawful behavior in court in case of disputes. Financial damages are strictly limited, improving economic security for individuals, merchants, the exchange and the state.
As a payment service provider, the Taler exchange is subject to financial regulation. Financial regulation and regular audits are critical to establish trust. In particular, the Taler design mandates the existence of an independent auditor who checks cryptographic proofs that accumulate at the exchange to ensure that the escrow account (or internal settlement account) is managed honestly. This ensures that the exchange does not threaten the economy due to fraud.
As a payment service provider, the Taler exchange is subject to financial regulation. Financial regulation and regular audits are critical to establish trust. In particular, the Taler design mandates the existence of an independent auditor who checks cryptographic proofs that accumulate at the exchange to ensure that the escrow account (or internal settlement account) is managed honestly. This ensures that the exchange does not threaten the economy due to fraud.
Taler is free software implementing an open protocol standard. Thus, Taler will enable competition and avoid the monopolization of payment systems that threatens global political and financial stability today.
Taler is free software implementing an open protocol standard. Thus, Taler will enable competition and avoid the monopolization of payment systems that threatens global political and financial stability today.
Efficient
Efficient
Taler has an efficient design. Unlike Blockchain-based payment systems, such as Bitcoin, Taler will not threaten the availability of national electric grids or (significantly) contribute to environmental pollution.
Taler has an efficient design. Unlike Blockchain-based payment systems, such as Bitcoin, Taler will not threaten the availability of national electric grids or (significantly) contribute to environmental pollution.
Taler and regulation
Taler and regulation
Anti money laundering (AML)
Anti money laundering (AML)
With Taler, income is visible and can be tied to the contract signed by both parties.
With Taler, income is visible and can be tied to the contract signed by both parties.
Know your customer (KYC)
Know your customer (KYC)
In Taler, payer and payee are known by their bank accounts when withdrawing or depositing coins respectively
In Taler, payer and payee are known by their bank accounts when withdrawing or depositing coins respectively
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Taler cryptographically protects citizen's privacy, and by design implements data minimization and privacy by default.
Taler cryptographically protects citizen's privacy, and by design implements data minimization and privacy by default.
Payment Services Directive (PSD2)
Payment Services Directive (PSD2)
Taler provides an open standard with public APIs contributing to a competitive banking sector.
Taler provides an open standard with public APIs contributing to a competitive banking sector.
Taler provides privacy and accountability
Taler provides privacy and accountability
Taler assumes governments can observe traditional wire transfers entering and leaving the Taler payment system. Starting with the wire transfers, governments can obtain:
Taler assumes governments can observe traditional wire transfers entering and leaving the Taler payment system. Starting with the wire transfers, governments can obtain:
The total amount of digital currency withdrawn by a customer. The government can impose limits on how much digital cash a customer can withdraw within a given time frame.
The total amount of digital currency withdrawn by a customer. The government can impose limits on how much digital cash a customer can withdraw within a given time frame.
The income received by any merchant via the Taler system.
The income received by any merchant via the Taler system.
The exact details of the underlying contract that was signed between customer and merchant. However, this information would typically not include the identity of the customer.
The exact details of the underlying contract that was signed between customer and merchant. However, this information would typically not include the identity of the customer.
The amounts of digital coins legitimately withdrawn by customers from the exchange, the value of non-redeemed digital coins in customer's wallets, the value and corresponding wire details of deposit operations performed by merchants with the exchange, and the income of the exchange from transaction fees.
The amounts of digital coins legitimately withdrawn by customers from the exchange, the value of non-redeemed digital coins in customer's wallets, the value and corresponding wire details of deposit operations performed by merchants with the exchange, and the income of the exchange from transaction fees.
Project ideas
Project ideas
Open
Open
Claimed
Claimed
Finished
Finished
Taler logo
Taler logo
We provide a payment system that makes <span class='tlr'>privacy-friendly</span> online transactions <span class='tlr'>fast and easy</span>.
We provide a payment system that makes <span class='tlr'>privacy-friendly</span> online transactions <span class='tlr'>fast and easy</span>.
Payments without registration
Payments without registration
Data protection by default
Data protection by default
Fraud eliminated by design
Fraud eliminated by design
Not a new currency!
Not a new currency!
Empowers communities to run their own payment infrastructure
Empowers communities to run their own payment infrastructure
Free Software
Free Software
Try Demo!
Try Demo!
Read Docs
Read Docs
Commercial Support
Commercial Support
Identification complete
Identification complete
Thank you for providing your identity information. Processing your GNU Taler transaction will now continue.
Thank you for providing your identity information. Processing your GNU Taler transaction will now continue.
This is the page for the Taler PoS App. It allows a vendor to maintain a list of products and to quickly build up Taler contracts and process Taler payments for these contracts. Its main use-case is for a mensa, cafeteria or restaurant when vending food from a menu.
This is the page for the Taler PoS App. It allows a vendor to maintain a list of products and to quickly build up Taler contracts and process Taler payments for these contracts. Its main use-case is for a mensa, cafeteria or restaurant when vending food from a menu.
GNU Taler in the Press
GNU Taler in the Press
2024
2024
2023
2023
2022
2022
2021
2021
2020
2020
2019
2019
2018
2018
2017
2017
2016
2016
2015
2015
GNU Taler: Design Principles
GNU Taler: Design Principles
When designing GNU Taler, we had the following design principles in mind:
When designing GNU Taler, we had the following design principles in mind:
1. Free/Libre Software
1. Free/Libre Software
... in the area of computing, freedom means not using proprietary software
... in the area of computing, freedom means not using proprietary software
GNU Taler must be <a href="https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html">Free/Libre Software</a>. For merchants, Free/Libre Software prevents vendor lock-in meaning merchants can easily choose another service provider to process their payments. For countries, Free/Libre software means GNU Taler can not compromise sovereignty by imposing restrictions or requirements. And for exchange operators, transparency is crucial to satisfy <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerckhoffs's_principle">Kerckhoffs's principle</a> and to establish public confidence.
GNU Taler must be <a href="https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html">Free/Libre Software</a>. For merchants, Free/Libre Software prevents vendor lock-in meaning merchants can easily choose another service provider to process their payments. For countries, Free/Libre software means GNU Taler can not compromise sovereignty by imposing restrictions or requirements. And for exchange operators, transparency is crucial to satisfy <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerckhoffs's_principle">Kerckhoffs's principle</a> and to establish public confidence.
Customers benefit from Free/Libre Software because anyone is free to modify the wallet software to support additional platforms. The source code must be available and make it easy to verify that user-hostile features such as tracking or telemetry are absent.
Customers benefit from Free/Libre Software because anyone is free to modify the wallet software to support additional platforms. The source code must be available and make it easy to verify that user-hostile features such as tracking or telemetry are absent.
2. Protect the privacy of buyers
2. Protect the privacy of buyers
You deserve some privacy
You deserve some privacy
Privacy is most meaningful when it is guaranteed via technical measures, as opposed to mere policies. Without a technical layer providing privacy-by-default, financial transactions reveal unnecessary levels of personal or private data. This would be especially true when making micropayments for online publications. Thus, GNU Taler must protect the privacy of buyers to avoid facilitating totalitarian control over the population.
Privacy is most meaningful when it is guaranteed via technical measures, as opposed to mere policies. Without a technical layer providing privacy-by-default, financial transactions reveal unnecessary levels of personal or private data. This would be especially true when making micropayments for online publications. Thus, GNU Taler must protect the privacy of buyers to avoid facilitating totalitarian control over the population.
Limited private data, such as the shipping address for a physical delivery, may need to be collected according to business needs and protected according to local laws. In this case, GNU Taler must enable deletion of such data as soon as it is no longer required.
Limited private data, such as the shipping address for a physical delivery, may need to be collected according to business needs and protected according to local laws. In this case, GNU Taler must enable deletion of such data as soon as it is no longer required.
3. Auditability - enable the state to tax income and crack down on illegal business activities
3. Auditability - enable the state to tax income and crack down on illegal business activities
Money laundering
Money laundering
As a payment system must comply with local laws in order to operate legally, GNU Taler must be designed to comply with these requirements. GNU Taler must provide an audit trail for investigators operating under the law. Furthermore, we consider levying of taxes as beneficial to society, and fair taxation requires income transparency. Thus, GNU Taler must enable authorities to track income.
As a payment system must comply with local laws in order to operate legally, GNU Taler must be designed to comply with these requirements. GNU Taler must provide an audit trail for investigators operating under the law. Furthermore, we consider levying of taxes as beneficial to society, and fair taxation requires income transparency. Thus, GNU Taler must enable authorities to track income.
4. Prevent payment fraud
4. Prevent payment fraud
Phishing attack
Phishing attack
GNU Taler must mitigate the most common sources of payment fraud. We must follow best practices in software design, 3rd party design guidelines that prevent confusion and misleading user interfaces, and must have others inspect our publicly available code. Furthermore, GNU Taler must provide extensive cryptographic evidence for all key processes to enable all parties to precisely attribute bad behavior.
GNU Taler must mitigate the most common sources of payment fraud. We must follow best practices in software design, 3rd party design guidelines that prevent confusion and misleading user interfaces, and must have others inspect our publicly available code. Furthermore, GNU Taler must provide extensive cryptographic evidence for all key processes to enable all parties to precisely attribute bad behavior.
5. Collect the minimum information necessary
5. Collect the minimum information necessary
Privacy by design, privacy by default, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant
Privacy by design, privacy by default, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant
The privacy of buyers is given particular priority as part of <a href="#privacy">principle #2</a>. However, other parties - such as merchants - also must have data protection. Generally, GNU Taler must only collect the minimum information necessary: Data that is not collected or is no longer stored cannot be compromised.
The privacy of buyers is given particular priority as part of <a href="#privacy">principle #2</a>. However, other parties - such as merchants - also must have data protection. Generally, GNU Taler must only collect the minimum information necessary: Data that is not collected or is no longer stored cannot be compromised.
6. Be usable
6. Be usable
Buy with one click. Easy for children.
Buy with one click. Easy for children.
GNU Taler must be usable for non-expert customers including end-users of a GNU Taler wallet, merchants who wish to accept payments using GNU Taler, and 3rd party application developers for e-commerce and other platforms. GNU Taler must follow best-practices usability guidelines and incorporate feedback from experts and users. Free/Libre software also requires Free/Libre documentation to allow for informed choices. GNU Taler must provide well-documented Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to allow frictionless integrations between GNU Taler and other projects.
GNU Taler must be usable for non-expert customers including end-users of a GNU Taler wallet, merchants who wish to accept payments using GNU Taler, and 3rd party application developers for e-commerce and other platforms. GNU Taler must follow best-practices usability guidelines and incorporate feedback from experts and users. Free/Libre software also requires Free/Libre documentation to allow for informed choices. GNU Taler must provide well-documented Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to allow frictionless integrations between GNU Taler and other projects.
7. Be efficient
7. Be efficient
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency
GNU Taler must be designed to be efficient. Quite simply, efficiency means fewer things to break, and it means more transactions per second and lower environmental impact. Efficiency is also critical for GNU Taler to be used for micropayments. Therefore certain expensive primitives, such as proof-of-work, must not be used by GNU Taler.
GNU Taler must be designed to be efficient. Quite simply, efficiency means fewer things to break, and it means more transactions per second and lower environmental impact. Efficiency is also critical for GNU Taler to be used for micropayments. Therefore certain expensive primitives, such as proof-of-work, must not be used by GNU Taler.
8. Fault-tolerant design
8. Fault-tolerant design
Life Safers
Life Safers
Malicious operators, fat fingers, computer glitches, gremlins. Things go wrong. GNU Taler must be designed to tolerate failure of individual components and systems. Where the system can continue running safely, it will continue running safely. Where it must halt an operation, other operations must not be needlessly pulled offline. Where systems fail, they must fail gracefully. GNU Taler must have a plan to recover from malicious operators compromising core secrets.
Malicious operators, fat fingers, computer glitches, gremlins. Things go wrong. GNU Taler must be designed to tolerate failure of individual components and systems. Where the system can continue running safely, it will continue running safely. Where it must halt an operation, other operations must not be needlessly pulled offline. Where systems fail, they must fail gracefully. GNU Taler must have a plan to recover from malicious operators compromising core secrets.
9. Foster competition
9. Foster competition
A competitive market
A competitive market
It must be relatively easy for competitors to deploy interoperable alternatives. The barriers for this in traditional financial systems are rather high and outside of our control. However, GNU Taler must minimize the technical burden for new competitors to enter the market. GNU Taler must enable a diverse set of operators, breaking up the current system where only a few global companies dominate the market. An example for a design choice that supports this is to split the whole system into smaller components that can be operated, developed and improved upon independently, instead of having one completely monolithic system.
It must be relatively easy for competitors to deploy interoperable alternatives. The barriers for this in traditional financial systems are rather high and outside of our control. However, GNU Taler must minimize the technical burden for new competitors to enter the market. GNU Taler must enable a diverse set of operators, breaking up the current system where only a few global companies dominate the market. An example for a design choice that supports this is to split the whole system into smaller components that can be operated, developed and improved upon independently, instead of having one completely monolithic system.
SchemaFuzz
SchemaFuzz
Taler Wallet
Taler Wallet
Congratulations, the Taler wallet is installed on your device. Check out the <a href="https://demo.taler.net/">demonstration</a>.
Congratulations, the Taler wallet is installed on your device. Check out the <a href="https://demo.taler.net/">demonstration</a>.
You don't have a wallet installed yet.
You don't have a wallet installed yet.
Install the wallet for your browser below, then check out the <a href="https://demo.taler.net">demonstration</a>. The source code is provided <a href="https://taler.net/files/wallet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.
Install the wallet for your browser below, then check out the <a href="https://demo.taler.net">demonstration</a>. The source code is provided <a href="https://taler.net/files/wallet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.
Google Chrome / Chromium 51+
Google Chrome / Chromium 51+
<a href="https://www.google.com/chrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Google Chrome</a> or <a href="https://www.chromium.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chromium</a> is required, but it appears you don't have it installed.
<a href="https://www.google.com/chrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Google Chrome</a> or <a href="https://www.chromium.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chromium</a> is required, but it appears you don't have it installed.
<a href="https://www.google.com/chrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Google Chrome</a> or <a href="https://www.chromium.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chromium</a> version <span id="chrome-min-version"></span> or newer is required, but it appears you have an older version.
<a href="https://www.google.com/chrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Google Chrome</a> or <a href="https://www.chromium.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chromium</a> version <span id="chrome-min-version"></span> or newer is required, but it appears you have an older version.
Install wallet
Install wallet
JavaScript is disabled, the installation won't work.
JavaScript is disabled, the installation won't work.
Mozilla Firefox 57+
Mozilla Firefox 57+
Opera 36+
Opera 36+
Install Download Chrome Extension
Install Download Chrome Extension
<a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/gnu-taler-wallet/millncjiddlpgdmkklmhfadpacifaonc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Install the Taler wallet from the Chrome Web Store</a>
<a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/gnu-taler-wallet/millncjiddlpgdmkklmhfadpacifaonc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Install the Taler wallet from the Chrome Web Store</a>
Android 4.4 (API 18) or later
Android 4.4 (API 18) or later
You can <a href="https://taler.net/files/wallet/wallet-nightly-debug-1667560285.apk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> download the APK for Android</a> directly.
You can <a href="https://taler.net/files/wallet/wallet-nightly-debug-1667560285.apk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> download the APK for Android</a> directly.
Install the Android App from Google App Store.
Install the Android App from Google App Store.
Download the Android App from F-Droid (bypassing Google registration).
Download the Android App from F-Droid (bypassing Google registration).
Other browsers
Other browsers
Wallets for other browsers will be provided in the near future.
Wallets for other browsers will be provided in the near future.
The iOS wallet is available via <a href="https://testflight.apple.com/join/4fjyoe1N">Testflight</a></p>.
The iOS wallet is available via <a href="https://testflight.apple.com/join/4fjyoe1N">Testflight</a></p>.
News posts about changes related to GNU Taler such as releases and events
News posts about changes related to GNU Taler such as releases and events
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The privacy of buyers is given particular priority as part of principle (2). However, other parties - such as merchants - also must have data protection. Generally, GNU Taler must only collect the minimum information necessary: Data that is not collected or is no longer stored cannot be compromised.
The privacy of buyers is given particular priority as part of principle (2). However, other parties - such as merchants - also must have data protection. Generally, GNU Taler must only collect the minimum information necessary: Data that is not collected or is no longer stored cannot be compromised.