Twitter ex-CEO introduces ‘BitChat’ internet-free messaging app

Twitter ex-CEO introduces ‘BitChat’ internet-free messaging app

Jack Dorsey, former chief executive officer (CEO) of Twitter (now X), has introduced BitChat, a messaging tool that allows users to send encrypted messages without internet access.

The app, which is still in its early stages, was revealed by Dorsey in a recent post on X.

He described it as a personal project exploring Bluetooth mesh networking, message encryption, and decentralised communication.

“My weekend project to learn about bluetooth mesh networks, relays and store and forward models, message encryption models, and a few other things,” he wrote.

A beta version of the app is currently available via TestFlight for iOS users, while its source code and white paper have been published on GitHub.

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How It Works

According to the documentation shared by Dorsey, BitChat uses a store-and-forward architecture where messages are relayed from one Bluetooth-enabled device to another until they reach the intended recipient.

The document said the app supports end-to-end encryption, with messages secured using Curve25519 public keys and authenticated through the noise protocol framework (NPF).

Its interface is minimalist, inspired by internet relay chat (IRC), a text-based system common in the early internet era.

BitChat aligns with Dorsey’s long-standing interest in decentralised technologies.

The American entrepreneur had also backed Bluesky, a decentralised social media app, before leaving its board in May 2024.

He stepped down as Twitter CEO in 2021 and has since focused on Bitcoin infrastructure and digital payments through his company, Block, Inc. (formerly Square).

Twitter ex-CEO introduces ‘BitChat’ internet-free messaging app