Jack Dorsey launches decentralized messaging app Bitchat, embodying the spirit of Bitcoin

Jack Dorsey, founder of X and CEO of Block, has just introduced a new project: the decentralized messaging app Bitchat. This app operates via Bluetooth instead of the internet, demonstrating Dorsey's commitment to principles of privacy and resistance to censorship.

Bitchat is designed to provide "instant, encrypted communication without relying on internet infrastructure, making it resilient to network outages and censorship." Although the name may seem related, #bitchat has no direct connection to Bitcoin, but the name is a tribute to the leading cryptocurrency, as both emphasize decentralization, peer-to-peer interaction, and the elimination of unnecessary intermediaries.

As a prominent "cypherpunk," #Dorsey advocates for the use of cryptography to promote personal freedom and resist surveillance. Bitchat operates by using Bluetooth radio waves, allowing users to communicate within a range of about 300 meters. This means the app can function even when the internet is disrupted, enhancing its resistance to censorship and maintaining communication in emergency situations or in areas without internet.

Bitchat does not require a phone number or email, allowing users to create their own identifiers. The app automatically displays other users in the vicinity, enabling them to connect and chat. Many have compared Bitchat to Citizens Band radio but with added privacy security features.