Jack Dorsey, CEO of Block and co-founder of Twitter, has launched BitChat, a decentralized peer-to-peer messaging app that operates entirely over Bluetooth mesh networks, enabling secure communication without the need for internet, servers, or phone numbers.
It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh technology to create a self-organizing network where devices relay messages to each other, extending communication beyond the typical 30-meter Bluetooth range by hopping messages across multiple devices.
Messages are encrypted and ephemeral, meaning they exist only temporarily in device memory and are not stored on any central server, enhancing privacy and security.
There are no central servers, accounts, or phone numbers required, eliminating reliance on traditional internet infrastructure and reducing risks of censorship or data breaches.
The app is designed to work in scenarios of network outages, censorship, or where internet access is unreliable or unavailable, making it suitable for protests, disaster zones, or remote areas.
Users can create room-based chats with hashtag names and optional password protection, similar to IRC-style chat systems.
Dorsey described his weekend project as a learning experience about Bluetooth mesh networks, relay and store-and-forward models, and message encryption, emphasizing the app’s focus on privacy and decentralized communication.
BitChat represents a significant step toward privacy-focused, censorship-resistant messaging that does not depend on centralized corporate platforms or internet infrastructure, aligning with Dorsey’s long-standing advocacy for decentralization and user empowerment online.
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