Tech entrepreneur and billionaire Elon Musk is preparing to unveil a new standalone messaging app, “X Chat,” aimed at competing with established players like Telegram and WhatsApp. The anticipated launch is expected within the next few months.
Innovative Features and Security Focus
During a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Musk shared insights about the app, stating, “On X, we just rebuilt the entire messaging stack into what’s called ‘X Chat.’” He emphasized that the app will utilize a peer-to-peer encryption system, drawing parallels to Bitcoin’s security measures. “It’s very good encryption; we’re testing it thoroughly,” he assured listeners.
One of the standout features of X Chat is its commitment to user privacy. Musk expressed his intention to eliminate advertising “hooks,” which he argues are prevalent in competitors like WhatsApp. “WhatsApp knows enough about what you’re texting to know what ads to show you,” he noted, highlighting the potential security vulnerabilities that arise from such data collection. “If it knows enough information to show you ads, that’s a lot of information,” he added, cautioning that hackers could exploit these same channels to access private messages.
Comparative Privacy Practices
WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, maintains that it does not have access to users’ private messages, citing end-to-end encryption through the Signal Protocol. This encryption extends to voice messages, media, and documents. However, concerns linger regarding the unencrypted “metadata,” which includes details about who users are communicating with and the frequency of these interactions. Additionally, WhatsApp does not automatically encrypt backup copies of chat histories.
In its FAQ section, WhatsApp addresses data collection practices but does not directly answer whether it sells user data. Instead, it states, “we work with other Meta Companies to help provide, improve and support each other’s services,” indicating that some information may be shared if users integrate their WhatsApp experience with other Meta products.
A Vision for Secure Communication
Musk is adamant that X Chat will not incorporate these advertising “hooks.” He envisions the app as a replacement for the previous Twitter DM system, aiming to create a fully encrypted environment where users can text, send files, and conduct audio and video calls. “I think it will be the least insecure of any messaging system,” he claimed, reinforcing his commitment to user security.
Furthermore, X Chat will be accessible both as a part of the X platform and as an independent application, offering users flexibility in how they choose to communicate.
