• By Alex David
  • Tue, 08 Jul 2025 06:32 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Twitter, now referred to as X, has a co-founder named Jack Dorsey who recently released a new beta version of the messaging app called Bitchat, which is purported to function without needing to connect to the internet. In contrast to Bitchat’s competitors like WhatsApp or Telegram, Bitchat utilises Bluetooth-based peer-to-peer encodings to send encrypted texts to nearby devices. This has drawn comparisons to Bridgefy, which was utilised during Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests. 

How Bitchat Works?

Bluetooth Mesh Network: Bitchat builds up-to-date decentralised clusters with Bluetooth that allow for encrypted direct interfacing within proximity to devices (up to ~300 meters range). 

Store-and-Forward Model: Messages can be stored temporarily until the intended user is available.

No Internet or Central Servers: Since devices serve as both sender and relay nodes, no central server or internet is required and messages exist independently. 

End-to-End Encryption: Enhances privacy in addition to the privacy provided through E2EE.

No Sign-Up Required: Dorsey's design makes it so users do not provide a phone number or email, making it user friendly and easy to access.

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Key Features

Group Messaging Via Rooms: Users can create group chats referred to as “rooms” which are prefixed by hashtags and can be locked with passwords. 

Message Disappearance: Relays have the option to temporarily store messages but by default, none are retained. 

IRC Vibes: As described by Dorsey, “old school” internet chatrooms are making a comeback and thus he wants to embrace that vibe.

Wi-Fi Direct (Coming Soon): Planned support will extend both the range and performance above Bluetooth's limitations.

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Availability & Future Outlook

Currently Available: Limited Release through Apple’s TestFlight (10,000 user cap – currently full).

Coming Soon: Waiting for approval from the App Store.

Android Availability: Not available yet, however, the provided framework is not bound to any single platform, so Android applications may be developed based on the provided open-source specifications.

Why It Matters

Bitchat enters the messaging world at a time when digital privacy with government surveillance and connectivity blackouts are pressing concerns. This is useful in times of natural disasters, protests, or moments of heavy censorship due to its decentralized design. While it wouldn’t replace WhatsApp for casual interactions, the software is useful for people who want to be private for offline or hostile situations.

To summarize, Bitchat is Dorsey’s daring attempts at reinventing the principles of texting—locally-based, anonymous, encrypted, and without internet reliance.