Element (formerly Riot and Vector[13]) is a free and open-source software instant messaging client implementing the Matrix protocol.

[14] Element supports end-to-end encryption,[15] private and public groups, sharing of files between users, voice and video calls, and other collaborative features with help of bots and widgets.

[22] In April 2019, a new application was released on the Google Play Store in response to cryptographic keys used to sign the Riot Android app being compromised.

[34] In 2017, German computer magazine Golem.de called Element (then Riot) and Matrix server "mature" and "feature-rich", but criticized its key authentication at the time to be not user-friendly for communicatees owning multiple devices.

[34] In 2020, Element added key cross-signing to make the verification process simpler, and enabled end-to-end encryption by default.