amynicole – Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, has launched Bitchat, a new messaging app that works without the internet. The app uses Bluetooth mesh networks to connect devices directly, enabling peer-to-peer communication without any central servers. This innovative approach allows users to send encrypted messages between nearby devices, creating a decentralized network that extends as each device acts as a node.
Bitchat doesn’t require Wi-Fi or cellular data, making it useful in areas where internet access is limited or blocked. Messages stay on users’ devices and automatically disappear after some time, ensuring privacy and security. This method of communication resembles the technology that helped protesters in Hong Kong in 2019 maintain contact despite government restrictions.
Bitchat also supports group chats that users can name with hashtags and secure with passwords. The app can forward messages to users who are offline temporarily, ensuring messages reach their destination even if the recipient isn’t immediately available. Dorsey describes Bitchat as an experiment exploring Bluetooth mesh networks, message encryption, relays, and store-and-forward models. Currently, Bitchat is in beta testing and available via TestFlight, although spots are limited. A future update aims to add Wi-Fi Direct support, which would expand the network’s speed and range, improving connectivity and overall user experience.
How Bitchat Reflects Dorsey’s Vision for Decentralized Communication
Bitchat fits into Jack Dorsey’s ongoing interest in decentralized communication technologies. Previously, he co-founded Bluesky, a platform built on open-source protocols designed to give users more control over their data and social interactions. Bitchat takes this vision further by eliminating the need for any centralized infrastructure in messaging.
The app’s Bluetooth mesh network enables communication in challenging environments where traditional internet services might be unavailable. This can be critical during natural disasters, protests, or in remote locations where connectivity is scarce. By keeping messages encrypted and device-based, Bitchat prioritizes user privacy and security.
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Although still in beta, Bitchat represents a growing trend toward resilient and decentralized communication systems. If the app gains traction, it could change how people stay connected, especially in regions facing internet censorship or infrastructure challenges. Dorsey’s experiment highlights the potential of peer-to-peer networks as alternatives to conventional messaging platforms dependent on internet servers. With plans to enhance network capabilities through Wi-Fi Direct and possibly other technologies, Bitchat could soon offer faster and wider communication options. For now, it offers a glimpse into a future where internet-free messaging becomes a practical tool for millions worldwide.
