OpenTalk 2025: Progress, functions and digital sovereignty

2025 was a year full of innovations and strategic milestones for OpenTalk. Our open-source video conferencing solution has evolved technically, gained new features for professional users, and further strengthened the digital sovereignty of businesses and public authorities. This review summarises the most important features of the year and shows how OpenTalk has expanded its role as a reliable, secure, and sovereign communication platform.

Subroom audio: confidential conversations without interruption

One of the highlights of 2025 is the introduction of subroom audio – an innovative feature that allows confidential discussions during meetings without disrupting the main conference. Small groups or individual participants can ‘whisper’ quietly to each other, allowing them to discreetly conduct moderations or team discussions. Compared to traditional breakout rooms, the connection to the main room is maintained, preserving proximity and structure.

Subroom audio is ideal for complex discussions in companies, government agencies or classrooms. For example, political parties can communicate in parallel during political debates without interrupting the overall event. With this feature, OpenTalk expands the possibilities for professional collaboration and significantly increases the efficiency of meetings.

Streaming and recording: flexibility for public and hybrid events

With version 25.3.0, OpenTalk has introduced the ability to record video conferences directly and stream them live. These features open up new areas of application – from public meetings and training courses to digital events with a wide reach.

Depending on the tariff, recording is available with up to 10 GB of storage space and is seamlessly integrated into the user interface. Streaming allows export to external services such as YouTube or Twitch via the RTMP(S) protocol, thereby extending the reach of events. It goes without saying that these features comply with the high data protection and security standards that are central to OpenTalk.

LiveKit integration: modernisation of the WebRTC architecture

Another major step was the migration from Janus to LiveKit as media server technology. LiveKit brings advanced features such as adaptive streams and simulcast, which ensure more efficient use of bandwidth and better video quality – especially in larger meetings.

The changeover was technically challenging, but it has made OpenTalk more modern, more powerful and more flexible. Operators of OpenTalk servers benefit from seamless integration and easy migration. For SaaS customers, the changeover took place automatically. LiveKit thus strengthens the technical basis and ensures a future-proof platform.

Cisco Room Kits and SIP integration: Old hardware revitalised

In 2025, we proved that even older Cisco Room Kits and desk phones can be connected to OpenTalk – without any cloud connection or proprietary platform constraints. Using SIP, combined with our own Obelisk service and new media processing based on LiveKit and Rust, these professional devices can be integrated into modern open-source conference systems.

In doing so, we are building a bridge between proven hardware and flexible, sovereign communication solutions – an important contribution to sustainable IT infrastructure in companies and public authorities.

Digital accessibility: BITV 2.0 certification for inclusive communication

OpenTalk received the BITV 2.0 seal for digital accessibility in 2025. Our solution thus meets the highest accessibility requirements and enables people with various disabilities to participate in video conferences without restriction.

The tested functions include screen reader compatibility, keyboard control, adjustable contrast and intuitive operation. This certification underlines our commitment to inclusive digital communication and optimally prepares our users for upcoming legal requirements.

Strategic milestones: OpenTalk establishes itself in public administration

A particular success in 2025 is the statewide introduction of OpenTalk in Schleswig-Holstein. Following the introduction of OpenTalk by the Thuringian state administration the previous year, around 2,000 employees of the state administration in Schleswig-Holstein are now also using the open-source solution as a sovereign alternative to international platforms.

The decision to use OpenTalk represents greater digital independence and the consistent use of open-source technologies in the public sector. With BSI-certified infrastructure, GDPR compliance and functions specially tailored to administrative needs, we are setting new standards for secure and transparent communication in public authorities.

Conclusion: OpenTalk as a strong partner for secure and sovereign communication

In 2025, OpenTalk once again demonstrated how technical innovation, strategic orientation and social responsibility work together. With new features such as subroom audio, streaming, LiveKit and barrier-free use, we have further professionalised the platform while strengthening the focus on digital sovereignty and security.

Whether in companies, public authorities or educational institutions, OpenTalk offers a modern, transparent and customisable solution for anyone who wants to communicate confidently.

See for yourself how OpenTalk makes your video communication more secure and efficient – try our open-source solution today.