Bitcoin News Today: Block CEO Dorsey Launches Bitchat for Offline Bitcoin Transfers

Jack Dorsey, CEO of Block and co-founder of Twitter, has confirmed the beta launch of Bitchat, a new application that allows users to send encrypted messages and Bitcoin transaction data completely offline using a Bluetooth mesh network. The new tool is designed to enable untraceable digital cash transfers and censorship-resistant communication, and it works on both Android and iPhone devices without requiring internet access, centralized servers, or user accounts.

Bitchat functions by creating a mesh network over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), where every phone on the network acts as a node to send and receive data. When a user sends a message, it can “hop” across as many as seven nearby devices to reach its destination. This process allows the network’s range to extend well beyond Bluetooth’s standard 30-meter limit. A key feature is that the application requires no internet connection, SIM card, or email account for setup. Users are assigned a new, invisible ID each time the app is opened to support private participation.

Beyond chat, Bitchat supports the offline transfer of pre-signed Bitcoin transactions. It’s important to note that the app does not generate or sign transactions itself. Instead, a user prepares a signed transaction with an external wallet, and Bitchat can then transmit that encrypted data from phone to phone using the same Bluetooth mesh relay system. This addresses one of Bitcoin’s long-standing dependencies on network access for payments.

The system is built for censorship-resistant communication. According to its technical documents, Bitchat operates without any centralized control and does not use cloud storage. Messages are stored only in the local memory of devices in the relay chain and are erased after being forwarded. The system uses a “store-and-forward” approach to ensure message delivery even when recipients are offline or out of range. An intermediate device within the mesh can temporarily cache a message and forward it once the recipient is back within range or reconnected to the mesh.

The launch of Bitchat marks a significant step in Dorsey's vision for a more decentralized and resilient digital ecosystem. By leveraging Bluetooth mesh technology, Bitchat allows users to communicate and transact even in areas with limited or no internet access. This feature is particularly valuable in regions where internet censorship is prevalent or during emergencies when traditional communication methods may fail.

The platform's decentralized nature means that it is not controlled by any single entity, making it resistant to censorship and surveillance. This aligns with Dorsey's long-standing advocacy for open and decentralized technologies, which he believes are essential for preserving individual freedoms and promoting innovation. Bitchat's ability to facilitate offline Bitcoin transfers adds another layer of utility to the platform. Bitcoin, being a decentralized digital currency, complements the decentralized messaging capabilities of Bitchat. Users can send and receive Bitcoin payments without the need for intermediaries, further enhancing the platform's censorship-resistant properties.

The launch of Bitchat is part of a broader trend in the tech industry towards decentralized technologies. As concerns about data privacy and security continue to grow, more companies and individuals are exploring decentralized solutions that offer greater control and autonomy to users. Bitchat's unique features make it a compelling option for those seeking a more secure and private means of communication and payment.