Jack Dorsey Launches BitChat Encrypted Messaging App Using Bluetooth

Tech mogul Jack Dorsey is testing a new decentralized, peer-to-peer encrypted messaging app that does not rely on the internet or phone numbers. The new messenger, which Dorsey calls “BitChat,” instead utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks. BLE is designed for lower power consumption and is used to transfer small amounts of data between nearby devices. Mesh networks rely on interconnected nodes to create a decentralized network.

Dorsey explains in the BitChat whitepaper that the messenger provides “ephemeral, encrypted communication without relying on internet infrastructure, making it resilient to network outages and censorship.” BitChat addresses the need for resilient, private communication that doesn’t depend on centralized infrastructure. By leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networking, BitChat enables direct peer-to-peer messaging within physical proximity, with automatic message relay extending the effective range beyond direct Bluetooth connections.

Key features of BitChat include being decentralized with no servers or infrastructure dependencies, ephemeral messages that exist only in device memory by default, end-to-end encryption for private messages, automatic mesh networking and message relay for resilience, and privacy features that do not require phone numbers, emails, or permanent identifiers. Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter, says governments will not be able to block BitChat unless they use Bluetooth jammers.

Dorsey has introduced a new encrypted messaging protocol called BitChat. This decentralized messaging platform operates via Bluetooth, enabling encrypted communication without the need for an internet connection. The platform is designed to offer users a secure and private means of communication, leveraging the advantages of Bluetooth technology to bypass traditional internet infrastructure. This move by Dorsey, who is known for his involvement in the tech industry, particularly with Twitter and Block, underscores his commitment to developing secure communication tools. The launch of BitChat is significant as it addresses the growing demand for privacy and security in digital communications, especially in an era where data breaches and surveillance concerns are prevalent. By utilizing Bluetooth, BitChat provides an alternative to traditional messaging apps that rely on internet connectivity, potentially offering users greater control over their data and communication channels. This innovation aligns with Dorsey's broader vision of creating decentralized and user-centric technologies, which have been a hallmark of his entrepreneurial endeavors. The introduction of BitChat is expected to attract users who prioritize privacy and security in their communications, further solidifying Dorsey's reputation as a pioneer in the tech industry.