Introducing Bitchat, a novel application developed by Jack Dorsey, functioning without the need for a connection.
In a significant move, Block Inc., the company founded by Jack Dorsey after his departure from Twitter, is working towards integrating Bitcoin payments into the Square platform by 2026, utilising the Lightning Network. But that's not all Dorsey has up his sleeve. His latest project, Bitchat, is poised to redefine offline communication.
Bitchat is a groundbreaking decentralised messaging app designed to enable fully encrypted, peer-to-peer communication over Bluetooth mesh networks. Unlike traditional messaging apps, Bitchat doesn't require the internet, cellular service, accounts, or central servers. Instead, it relies on a hop-by-hop relay system, where encrypted messages are passed from device to device, extending the network even in offline or internet-blocked environments.
Privacy is at the heart of Bitchat. The app employs advanced encryption methods, such as Curve25519 and AES-GCM, to protect user data. It also collects no metadata, obfuscates user identities, and by default deletes messages unless the user chooses to save them. Group chats, named with hashtags and optionally password-protected, can even forward messages to temporarily offline users.
Bitchat's innovative design aims to resist digital censorship and surveillance by eliminating central control points and traditional internet infrastructure. Potential applications for Bitchat are vast, ranging from protests and natural disasters to festivals, where connectivity is limited or deliberately restricted.
Currently, Bitchat operates over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), but planned updates may add support for Wi-Fi Direct mesh networking to increase network size and speed. This move aims to solidify an ecosystem where communication and finance can operate without intermediaries.
Bitchat reflects Dorsey's commitment to decentralised, censorship-resistant, and privacy-focused communication platforms. It aligns with his broader vision of decentralised systems, a theme evident in his earlier work with Bluesky and crypto-related projects.
Dorsey initiated the project out of personal curiosity to better understand these technologies and apply them to an everyday environment, without relying on large technological infrastructures. The app's architecture is innovative, incorporating elements of Internet Relay Chat (IRC).
In a world where social media faces growing questions about content moderation, user tracking, and algorithm manipulation, initiatives like Bitchat pave the way towards digital autonomy. For those interested in understanding Bitcoin, a Bitcoin Basic Course is available, designed specifically for beginners who know practically nothing about Bitcoin.
In summary, Bitchat is a secure, decentralised offline messaging system leveraging Bluetooth mesh networks and advanced encryption to enable censorship-resistant communication without internet access or account requirements. It's a valuable tool for privacy-conscious users and resilient communication needs in challenging connectivity conditions.
- To ensure a safe and private communication experience, Bitchat employs smartphone-based technology like Bluetooth mesh networks and advanced encryption algorithms such as Curve25519 and AES-GCM.
- By relying on decentralised gadgets like BLE-enabled devices, Bitchat aims to create a censorship-resistant communication platform, free from the need for traditional internet infrastructure or central servers.
