Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Block, has introduced Bitchat, a decentralized messaging application that operates over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks. This innovative app enables users to send encrypted messages without relying on internet connectivity, central servers, or phone numbers. Bitchat is currently in beta testing and is available for iOS devices through TestFlight, with plans for an Android version in development.
Bitchat utilizes BLE mesh networking to create a peer-to-peer communication system. Devices within approximately 30 meters can connect and relay messages, forming a mesh network that extends the communication range. Each device acts as both a client and a relay node, forwarding messages to reach recipients beyond the direct Bluetooth range. This design ensures that messages can travel distances up to 300 meters, depending on the number of devices in the mesh network.
Privacy is a central feature of Bitchat. The app does not require users to register with a phone number, email address, or create an account. All communications are end-to-end encrypted, and messages are stored only temporarily on devices, disappearing by default unless saved. This approach enhances user privacy and reduces the risk of data interception.
Key features of Bitchat include:
Decentralized Mesh Network: Automatic peer discovery and multi-hop message relay over BLE with time-to-live (TTL)-based routing, allowing messages to traverse multiple devices to reach their destination.
Military-Grade Encryption: Utilizes X25519 key exchange and AES-256-GCM encryption for private messages, ensuring secure communication.
IRC-Style Channels: Supports topic-based group messaging with password protection, ownership transfer, and user mentions with autocomplete.
Store & Forward: Caches messages for offline peers with automatic delivery when they reconnect to the Bitchat mesh, ensuring message delivery even when recipients are temporarily offline.
Zero-Knowledge Privacy: No accounts, no phone numbers, ephemeral by default, with forward secrecy achieved through new key pairs each session.
Universal Platform: Native support for iOS 16.0+ and macOS 13.0+, with Android compatibility via a platform-agnostic protocol.
Adaptive Battery Management: Five-tier power management from performance mode to ultra-low power, with duty cycling to optimize battery usage.
Emergency Wipe: Triple-tap the app's logo to instantly clear all data for emergency situations and privacy protection.
Bitchat is designed for scenarios where traditional internet-based messaging fails, such as remote areas, emergency situations, or events with limited connectivity. Its decentralized nature makes it resilient to network outages and censorship attempts, providing a secure and private communication channel for users in various environments.
For more information or to participate in the beta testing, visit the official Bitchat website.