I previously discussed here how traders have picked up on the idea that the disappearing message service Snapchat may be a way to share insider trading tips without leaving a trail. Now a service called Confide wants to take the concept of disappearing messages deeper into the corporate world.

Confide states its mission as follows:

Off-the record conversations happen all the time in the offline world. They are better known as phone calls, meetings, or chats over coffee. They allow you to be honest and genuine without worrying that every word is being archived. BUT, what you say online remains forever. We think this is crazy. With end-to-end encryption and disappearing messages, Confide is bringing off-the-record conversations online. We allow you to say digitally what you're willing to say in person, but have been hesitant to do so.

Confide's president, John Brod, says that unlike Snapchat, Confide is aimed at professionals and is designed for situations where people might otherwise send an email stating "Confidential, do not forward" or "I'll call you, let's take this offline." Brod told the publication GigaOM that Confide was born after he was contacted by a business colleague about a potential employee who Brod did not want to discuss in writing. Brod asked if they could discuss the potential employee over the phone instead but it took them six days to connect. “Professional relationships require tools for impermanence and confidence," Brod explained. "We wanted to take the proven model of meeting for an off-the-record cup of coffee and bring it online.”

Regulated entities and other companies face a host of requirements, of course, that they preserve different types of written communications. Will Confide end up being a way by which companies to try to avoid these requirements? Brod responds that Confide is simply a platform, and it is up to people to use it "in a way that is legal and appropriate for their individual circumstances." 

Check out the interesting CNBC interview with Confide's John Brod below. 

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