In a notable development within the realm of communication technology, Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and Block, has introduced a new peer-to-peer messaging application named Bitchat. Launched over the weekend, this innovative app utilizes Bluetooth technology to facilitate communication among users in close proximity, effectively bypassing the need for Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Bitchat operates on Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networks, allowing encrypted messages to be sent directly to nearby devices. This approach ensures that users can communicate without relying on centralized infrastructure, a feature that Dorsey emphasizes in a white paper available on his GitHub page. The document outlines Bitchat’s capability to provide resilient and private communication, highlighting how the app enables direct messaging while extending the effective range through automatic message relay, surpassing the limitations of direct Bluetooth connections.
Visuals shared by Dorsey reveal that Bitchat is designed with user privacy in mind. The app does not require accounts, servers, or data collection, and it incorporates several privacy features. Among these is a password-protected channel option and a unique “Panic Mode,” which allows users to erase all data instantly by triple-tapping the app’s logo.
Historically, similar Bluetooth-based messaging applications, such as Bridgefy and the now-defunct FireChat, have been utilized by pro-democracy activists, notably in Hong Kong, due to their resilience against governmental censorship and surveillance. While Bridgefy claims a messaging range of 100 meters (approximately 330 feet), Bitchat boasts an impressive range exceeding 300 meters (around 984 feet). Future updates are anticipated to enhance both speed and range through the integration of Wi-Fi Direct technology.
Currently, Bitchat is accessible to beta testers via Apple TestFlight, although the platform has reached its limit of 10,000 users, resulting in a full capacity status. Dorsey has indicated that the app is still under review as it moves toward a broader release.