Jack Dorsey Unveils Offline Messaging App 'Bitchat': Here’s How It Works
Jack Dorsey launches Bitchat, an offline messaging app using Bluetooth mesh—no phone number, internet, or servers needed. Privacy-first and encrypted.
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Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has launched a new privacy-focused messaging app named Bitchat, designed to function entirely offline. Unlike WhatsApp, Signal, or other messaging platforms, Bitchat does not require a phone number, email, or user account. The app uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to create a mesh network, allowing users to exchange encrypted messages without internet or mobile networks.
🔧 How Bitchat Works
Currently available in beta via Apple TestFlight, Bitchat establishes a secure peer-to-peer mesh network using BLE. Messages hop across nearby devices until they reach the intended recipient, even if the sender and receiver are not directly connected. This system is ideal for:
- Remote areas with no signal
- Emergency situations
- Large events or protests with poor network coverage
🛡️ Focus on Privacy
Bitchat is built with privacy as its core principle:
- End-to-end encryption
- No central server
- No personal data collection
- Messages disappear by default
All messages remain only on the user’s device and are not stored in any cloud or server.
🔍 Features at a Glance
- Group chats and mentions
- Password-protected conversations
- Store-and-forward model (messages are held until the recipient comes back online)
- Plans to add Wi-Fi Direct to boost range and speed in the future
💬 What Jack Dorsey Said
Calling it a “weekend project,” Dorsey described Bitchat as a way to explore Bluetooth mesh, encryption, and decentralized communication. He shared updates on Elon Musk-owned platform X, saying it carries an “IRC vibe” with a serverless, infrastructure-free design.
Bitchat represents a bold move toward decentralized, private communication, offering a new alternative for those who prioritize anonymity and offline usability.
