user privacy Archives

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Google Gemini can now read your WhatsApp chats without you knowing – but you can stop it

Starting July 7, 2025, Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, will automatically interact with third-party applications on Android devices, including Messages, WhatsApp, Utilities, and Phone applications. Users can expect Gemini to perform tasks such as sending messages, setting timers, and making phone calls with minimal input. These interactions will occur automatically, regardless of whether the Gemini Apps Activity setting is activated. Conversations will be logged in user accounts for up to 72 hours, even if users disable the Gemini Apps Activity. Google has informed Android users about these changes via email. Concerns regarding privacy have been raised, with Tuta, an encrypted email service, highlighting the lack of transparency from tech companies. Users can disable Gemini's interaction with apps through the Apps settings page or uninstall it entirely using developer tools. Future Android updates may introduce Gemini features to additional devices.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

No Internet, No Problem: Jack Dorsey Unveils Bluetooth Messaging App ‘Bitchat’

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Block, has launched a messaging app called Bitchat, which enables communication without internet connectivity using Bluetooth mesh networking. Bitchat operates on a peer-to-peer basis, does not require user accounts, and ensures messages are encrypted and temporary, without interaction with a central server. Users can communicate within a 300-meter radius, and messages can be relayed to others beyond direct Bluetooth range. The app features password-protected group chats, delayed message delivery for offline users, and will support Wi-Fi Direct for improved range and speed. All messages are stored solely on users' devices and are designed to disappear over time. Bitchat is described as a decentralized, peer-to-peer messaging application resilient to network outages and censorship. The beta release quickly filled all 10,000 slots, indicating significant interest.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey made an encrypted Bluetooth messaging app

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and Block, has launched a peer-to-peer messaging application called Bitchat, which uses Bluetooth technology to enable communication without Wi-Fi or cellular service. The app operates on Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networks, allowing encrypted messages to be sent directly to nearby devices and enabling automatic message relay to extend the effective range beyond direct Bluetooth connections. Bitchat prioritizes user privacy, requiring no accounts or data collection, and features like a password-protected channel and a “Panic Mode” for instant data deletion. It has a messaging range exceeding 300 meters and is currently in beta testing via Apple TestFlight, which has reached its capacity of 10,000 users.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey quietly dropped a game-changing chat app and it’s already full: All about it

Tech entrepreneur Jack Dorsey has launched a decentralized messaging application called Bitchat, designed to function independently of the internet and without the need for personal information. The app facilitates peer-to-peer messaging through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks, allowing communication over distances greater than 300 meters without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. It is currently in beta testing via Apple’s TestFlight. A whitepaper on GitHub details its functionality, with each phone acting as both sender and receiver for multi-hop message transfers. Bitchat prioritizes user privacy by not requiring a phone number or email address. Messages are temporarily stored on devices, with an automatic caching system to ensure delivery when the recipient reconnects to the network. The app features a tiered message retention system, where standard messages are deleted after 12 hours and “favourites” are kept indefinitely. It uses end-to-end encryption with Curve25519 and AES-GCM for data protection. The app includes user mentions, topic-based rooms, and password protection for secure communications, positioning itself as an alternative to traditional centralized messaging platforms.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey’s New Private Messenger App Doesn’t Need an Internet Connection

Jack Dorsey has launched a beta project called Bitchat, a private messaging app that uses mesh networks and Bluetooth technology to facilitate communication without internet connectivity. Bitchat allows direct peer-to-peer messaging within physical proximity and features automatic message relay to extend its range. The app prioritizes user privacy by not requiring phone numbers or permanent identifiers and ensures end-to-end encryption. Dorsey emphasizes the app's independence from traditional internet infrastructure, making it resilient to outages and censorship. The project is still in its early stages, and its technical robustness remains to be evaluated.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey’s new messaging app works without internet. What is Bitchat?

Jack Dorsey has introduced Bitchat, a messaging app that operates without internet connectivity by using Bluetooth technology for direct messaging. The beta version is available via TestFlight, and a white paper is accessible on GitHub. Bitchat functions as a peer-to-peer platform, leveraging Bluetooth mesh networks to allow users to exchange encrypted messages without requiring internet access, central servers, phone numbers, or email addresses. Messages can travel up to 300 meters by relaying through other devices. All messages are stored on users' devices, disappear by default, and do not pass through central servers, prioritizing user privacy and resistance to censorship. Bitchat allows for group chats called “rooms” and includes a feature for saving messages for offline delivery. Future updates will introduce WiFi Direct capabilities. Following the announcement, all 10,000 beta spots were filled.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Bitchat beta launched by Jack Dorsey: Find out how the bluetooth-based app will potentially rival WhatsApp

Jack Dorsey has launched a decentralized messaging application named Bitchat, which operates exclusively over Bluetooth technology and does not require internet connections, phone numbers, or centralized servers. The app is currently in beta on TestFlight and emphasizes user privacy by encrypting communications that are ephemeral and stored only on users' devices. Bitchat allows for the creation of Bluetooth mesh networks to relay messages between devices, even extending beyond typical Bluetooth range. It features password-protected group chats and a store-and-forward option for offline messaging. Future updates will incorporate Wi-Fi Direct to improve network speed and range. Bitchat reflects Dorsey's commitment to decentralization in digital services and is designed to maintain connectivity in situations of internet outages or restrictions.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Bitchat Bluetooth Messaging App: Works Without Internet Or Phone Numbers; Check Privacy Features, Range, And How It Works

Jack Dorsey has introduced a messaging application named Bitchat, which operates without an internet connection or mobile network by utilizing Bluetooth technology. Users do not need to provide a phone number, email, or create an account. Bitchat employs end-to-end encryption, and messages disappear by default, with no data stored on central servers. The app is available in beta through TestFlight, and a technical whitepaper is accessible on GitHub. Bitchat uses a decentralized peer-to-peer system, allowing nearby devices to exchange messages directly, with the capacity to temporarily store messages for offline users. The app can extend Bluetooth's typical range of 100 meters up to 300 meters by relaying messages through multiple devices. Privacy features include opt-in-only bridging, channel-level permission controls, and cryptographic identity isolation.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Bitchat Is a New Messaging App Which Works Without Phone Numbers

Jack Dorsey has introduced Bitchat, a decentralized messaging application that operates using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks for peer-to-peer messaging without traditional internet connectivity. Bitchat features end-to-end encryption for security, operates independently of the internet, and allows users to send messages over a range of more than 300 meters. Each device functions as both a client and server, enabling multi-hop message delivery. Messages are ephemeral by default, with a caching feature for recipients who are temporarily unavailable. Regular messages last 12 hours, while favorites are retained indefinitely. Bitchat does not require phone numbers or email addresses, enhancing user privacy, and includes features such as mentions and topic-based discussion rooms that can be password-protected. The app is currently in beta testing via Apple's TestFlight program.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey working on Bluetooth messaging app, Bitchat

Jack Dorsey, CEO of Block and co-founder of Twitter, has launched a messaging app called Bitchat, which utilizes Bluetooth mesh networks to enable communication without Wi-Fi or cellular networks. Bitchat can extend its messaging range to 300 meters (approximately 984 feet) by relaying messages through connected peers. The app prioritizes user privacy, offering end-to-end encryption. Bitchat is currently in beta testing via Apple’s TestFlight platform, but the testing group has reached its limit of 10,000 participants, with plans for a broader release in the future.