Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter, Bluesky, and Square, is venturing into the realm of private messaging applications with his latest initiative, Bitchat. This innovative project, unveiled earlier this week, aims to provide a secure and private messaging experience that operates independently of traditional internet or cellular networks.
Innovative Technology Behind Bitchat
In a recent white paper shared on GitHub, Dorsey elaborated on the technology underpinning Bitchat. The app employs decentralized Bluetooth technology, specifically utilizing end-to-end encryption to facilitate communication between users. This method of offline messaging has gained traction through applications like Bridgefy, particularly among those who prioritize privacy.
The backbone of Bitchat is built on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks. While standard Bluetooth connections typically have a range of about 100 meters, Dorsey asserts that his new technology can extend this range to an impressive 300 meters (approximately 984 feet). He describes Bitchat as a “weekend project,” developed with the assistance of Goose, an open-source AI coding companion created by his company, Block.
Dorsey emphasizes the app’s potential to fulfill the growing demand for resilient and private communication that is not reliant on centralized infrastructure. He states, “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.”
Concerns and Cautions
Despite the ambitious vision for Bitchat, the tech community has raised concerns regarding the platform’s security. Critics have pointed out potential vulnerabilities within the authentication system, which could expose users to the risk of having their secure connections intercepted by malicious actors. In response to these concerns, Dorsey has included a disclaimer alongside the project, noting that it is still a “work in progress.”
The disclaimer warns users: “This software has not received external security review and may contain vulnerabilities and does not necessarily meet its stated security goals. Do not use it for production use, and do not rely on its security whatsoever until it has been reviewed.”
