Automated Privacy.Even When You Can't Act.
Zitto's Dead Man Switch monitors your account activity. If you go dark beyond a configured threshold, it automatically triggers privacy actions — wiping messages and data — ensuring your private conversations disappear even if you can't manually delete them.
What Is a Dead Man Switch?
A Dead Man Switch (DMS) is a safety mechanism that activates automatically when a user stops responding. Historically used in industrial and military systems, the concept has been adapted for digital privacy: if you become inactive — whether due to incapacitation, detention, or simply forgetting — the switch fires on your behalf.
In Zitto, the Dead Man Switch checks for account activity on a configurable schedule. If you exceed your chosen inactivity threshold without logging in, Zitto triggers the actions you've pre-configured: this can include wiping your message history, removing contacts, or taking other privacy-preserving actions.
Before the switch activates, Zitto sends you advance warning notifications. Simply logging in resets the timer. The switch is a last resort — it only fires when you truly go dark.
How It Works
Inactivity Detection
Zitto monitors your account activity. If you go silent for a configured period, the Dead Man Switch activates automatically.
Automatic Data Wipe
On trigger, your messages, contacts, and sensitive account data can be automatically purged from the system.
Warning Notifications
Zitto sends you advance warnings before the switch activates, giving you time to check in and reset the timer.
Configurable Timeout
Set your inactivity threshold — hours, days, or weeks. The switch only activates when you truly go dark.
Emergency Privacy
Designed for high-risk scenarios: if something happens to you, your private data disappears with you.
Works with Kill Switch
Combine with the Panic PIN Kill Switch for layered emergency privacy — manual and automatic protection together.
Dead Man Switch Activation Flow
You Configure
Set your inactivity threshold and select which privacy actions to trigger on activation.
Timer Runs
Zitto monitors activity. Every login or interaction resets the countdown.
Warning Sent
As the threshold approaches, you receive advance warning notifications.
Check In or…
Log in to reset the timer, or let it expire if you cannot.
Switch Fires
Your configured privacy actions execute automatically — messages wiped, data cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dead Man Switch?
A Dead Man Switch (DMS) is a mechanism that activates automatically when a user becomes inactive for a defined period. In privacy contexts, it is used to ensure sensitive data is automatically deleted if the account owner stops responding — providing protection even if the user is incapacitated.
What does Zitto's Dead Man Switch do when triggered?
Depending on your configuration, the Dead Man Switch can wipe your message history, contacts, and account data. The specific actions are configurable in the Dead Man Switch settings panel.
Will I be warned before it activates?
Yes. Zitto sends advance warning notifications before the Dead Man Switch activates. You can reset the timer simply by logging in and engaging with the app.
Can I disable it after setting it up?
Yes. The Dead Man Switch is fully configurable and can be disabled at any time from the Settings menu. Changes take effect immediately.
What's the difference between the Dead Man Switch and the Kill Switch?
The Dead Man Switch activates automatically after a period of inactivity. The Kill Switch (Panic PIN) is a manual trigger — you activate it intentionally by entering a specific PIN when you need immediate emergency privacy protection.
Is the Dead Man Switch available on the free plan?
The Dead Man Switch is available to Zitto users. Check the current feature availability in your Settings panel.
