Dorsey unveils a novel connection-less application, dubbed Bitchat.
In a bid to revolutionize secure, private messaging, Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter and current CEO of Block Inc., has launched a new messaging app called Bitchat. This innovative platform, which operates without the need for internet, cellular networks, or Wi-Fi, utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology and mesh networks to extend its typical short range by relaying messages through nearby peers, reaching up to 300 meters (984 feet).
Bitchat's development has served as a testing ground for exploring communication models based on relays, distributed encryption, and resilient networks. The app retains an "IRC vibes" feel, referring to the classic real-time messaging style of Internet Relay Chat, while its interface is lightweight and functional, prioritizing quick message exchange. Messages on Bitchat are protected using end-to-end encryption with high-security standards such as Curve25519 for key exchange and AES-GCM for encryption.
The app's decentralized architecture fits Dorsey's broader interest in privacy-focused, decentralized tech. Bitchat functions by devices communicating directly with each other, with each phone acting as a node that receives and forwards messages. It operates without centralized infrastructure, making it useful in protests, remote areas, or during internet shutdowns.
However, Bitchat's security has raised concerns. Although the app has garnered the attention of over 10,000 beta users who actively test it through TestFlight, it has not yet undergone thorough external security audits. Security experts have demonstrated serious vulnerabilities, including man-in-the-middle attacks exploiting broken identity authentication and a lack of industry-standard forward secrecy at a per-message level.
Despite these vulnerabilities, the concept of Bitchat holds potential for privacy-conscious communication in oppressive or disrupted environments. Similar Bluetooth mesh apps (e.g., Bridgefy, used in Hong Kong protests) have proven valuable for secure offline messaging.
Bitchat remains under review before public release and should not yet be considered fully secure for sensitive communications. It is currently a prototype undergoing refinement rather than a finished privacy solution. The app's ongoing optimization and security enhancements are needed before mainstream use.
In summary, Bitchat shows promise as a decentralized, offline, encrypted messaging tool with extended Bluetooth range, aligning with Jack Dorsey's vision for privacy and decentralization. However, its security vulnerabilities and incomplete testing currently limit practical deployment. As Dorsey continues to advocate for censorship-resistant and corporate-control-free tools, initiatives like Bitchat pave the way towards digital autonomy in a context where social media faces growing questions about content moderation, user tracking, and algorithm manipulation.
Meanwhile, Block Inc., the company founded by Dorsey, is concurrently working on integrating Bitcoin payments into the Square platform, with implementation of Bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network expected in 2026.
- In the realm of technology, the new Bitchat app, developed by Jack Dorsey, combines innovative Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology and mesh networks to facilitate secure, private messaging on smartphones, even without internet connection.
- While events such as man-in-the-middle attacks have raised concerns about Bitchat's security, the growing trend of privacy-focused, decentralized gadgets like Bitchat has the potential to revolutionize secure communication in oppressive or disrupted environments.
