Jack Dorsey, the visionary co-founder of Twitter and Block, is currently immersed in the development of Bitchat, a decentralized messaging application that he astonishingly crafted over a single weekend. This innovative platform operates on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks, eliminating the need for internet connectivity or even phone numbers.
How Bitchat Works
Bitchat empowers devices within a 300-meter range to exchange encrypted messages seamlessly, independent of Wi-Fi or cellular service. The app ingeniously allows messages to traverse from one device to another, forming a dynamic mesh network. In cases where a direct connection is unattainable, messages can still reach their destination by hopping through nearby devices, utilizing a multi-hop connection method.
Security is a cornerstone of Bitchat, with messages safeguarded by end-to-end encryption. They reside solely on the sender’s and receiver’s devices and are programmed to vanish after a predetermined duration. Users can initiate conversations with a simple tap on the app. Group discussions, referred to as “rooms,” can be organized with hashtags and secured with passwords. For users seeking heightened privacy, a “Panic Mode” feature allows for the swift deletion of all data with a quick triple-tap on the app’s logo.
Reflecting on past events, during the 2019 Hong Kong protests, applications like Bridgefy and FireChat utilized Bluetooth mesh networks to maintain connectivity amidst internet blackouts. Bitchat elevates this concept with advanced functionalities such as store-and-forward messaging, which holds texts for offline users until they are back within range. Dorsey has even hinted at a forthcoming Wi-Fi Direct update to enhance speed and extend reach. Moreover, Bitchat’s open-source code available on GitHub invites developers to contribute to its evolution.
In contrast to mainstream messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger, which rely on cloud servers and often collect user data, Bitchat stands out by not gathering any personal information, tracking user activity, or leaving any digital footprint. This characteristic positions it as a potentially invaluable tool in regions facing censorship or network disruptions.
The app’s beta launch on TestFlight quickly reached its 10,000-user cap, underscoring the excitement surrounding its introduction. Dorsey has shared glimpses of a minimalist interface designed for efficiency, where users can select @nicknames and join hashtag-labeled rooms for group conversations.
