Jack Dorsey, the founder of X and CEO of Block, has recently embarked on a new venture that harkens back to his cypherpunk roots. On Sunday, he introduced a test version of a decentralized messaging application known as Bitchat, which is designed to enable private conversations through end-to-end encryption. In the Bitchat whitepaper, Dorsey elaborated on the app’s capabilities, stating that it “provides ephemeral, encrypted communication without relying on internet infrastructure, making it resilient to network outages and censorship.”
While the name Bitchat may evoke thoughts of Bitcoin, it is important to note that the app does not have a direct connection to the cryptocurrency. However, the choice of name likely serves as a nod to Bitcoin, as both technologies share a decentralized and peer-to-peer ethos, aiming to eliminate unnecessary intermediaries and empower users.
Cypherpunk
Dorsey is recognized as a prominent figure within the cypherpunk movement, a collective that champions the use of cryptography and privacy-enhancing technologies to foster social and political change. This group often emphasizes the importance of resisting surveillance and advocating for individual freedoms. Many of the early developers of Bitcoin identified as cypherpunks, and while Dorsey did not publicly participate in Bitcoin’s inception, he has emerged as a staunch advocate for its adoption and development through his company, Block. His unwavering support for Bitcoin has led to speculation about his potential identity as Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of the cryptocurrency, a claim he has publicly denied.
How Bitchat works
The landscape of messaging services featuring end-to-end encryption has sparked considerable debate in recent years. These services offer a crucial layer of privacy, serving as a vital tool for whistleblowers and individuals facing persecution from authoritarian regimes. However, the use of encrypted messaging also poses challenges for law enforcement agencies striving to combat criminal activities, including terrorism and cybercrime.
In a departure from conventional messaging applications, Bitchat operates without internet access, utilizing radio airwaves, specifically Bluetooth, to facilitate communication. This design means that users can connect only within Bluetooth’s effective range of approximately 300 meters, which may limit its applications compared to internet-based messaging platforms. Nevertheless, Dorsey emphasizes that the decentralized nature of the app allows for communication even in the absence of internet connectivity, thereby enhancing its resilience against censorship and outages.
Notably, Bitchat does not require users to provide phone numbers, email addresses, or any permanent identifiers. Instead, users create their own handles for identification. The app automatically detects other users in proximity, allowing them to connect through chatrooms. Early testers have likened the experience to that of citizens band radio, albeit with enhanced privacy features. There are suggestions that Bitchat could be particularly useful in scenarios lacking internet access, such as concerts, airplanes, or during disaster response efforts when traditional communication infrastructure is compromised.
Tim Craig is DL News’ Edinburgh-based DeFi Correspondent. Reach out with tips at tim@dlnews.com.
