Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat: Decentralized, Offline Messaging App Redefines Privacy

Jack Dorsey, the visionary behind Twitter (now X) and Block, has just launched Bitchat, a groundbreaking messaging app that’s turning heads with its decentralized, offline approach. Inspired by Bitcoin’s ethos of cutting out middlemen, Bitchat aims to do the same for digital communication, offering a secure, private way to connect without relying on the internet. Here’s a human-friendly breakdown of what Bitchat is all about and why it’s a game-changer.

What is Bitchat?

Bitchat is a peer-to-peer messaging app that operates without central servers, phone numbers, or internet connections. It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to create a mesh network, where nearby devices pass messages from one to another until they reach the recipient. Think of it like a digital version of passing notes in class—only encrypted and way more sophisticated.

According to Dorsey’s whitepaper, published on July 6, 2025, Bitchat is designed for resilience. It’s perfect for situations where internet access is spotty, censored, or nonexistent—like protests, disaster zones, or remote areas. Messages are end-to-end encrypted using advanced protocols (Curve25519 and AES-GCM), ensuring only the intended recipient can read them. Plus, it doesn’t collect metadata, and messages disappear after delivery unless you choose to save them.

Why Bitchat Matters

Unlike mainstream apps like WhatsApp or Messenger, which rely on centralized servers and often harvest user data, Bitchat puts privacy first. It’s a nod to the early days of the internet, with Dorsey himself describing it as having “IRC vibes” (Internet Relay Chat, a throwback to the ’90s). By removing the need for internet or corporate oversight, Bitchat empowers users to communicate freely, even in challenging environments.

This aligns with Dorsey’s broader vision of decentralization, much like Bitcoin’s mission to bypass financial intermediaries. Whether you’re in a blackout zone or just want to keep your chats private, Bitchat offers a fresh alternative.

How It Works

Here’s the magic: Bitchat uses your phone as both a sender and a relay. Messages hop from device to future update will add Wi-Fi Direct for faster speeds and longer ranges. For now, it’s in beta, available on TestFlight, with the whitepaper and code open-sourced on GitHub for developers to explore.

The Bigger Picture

Bitchat isn’t just a cool tech experiment—it’s a bold statement about digital sovereignty. In an age where privacy concerns and censorship are growing, tools like Bitchat could redefine how we connect. It’s early days, but if it gains traction, it could challenge the dominance of Big Tech’s messaging giants.