
Jack Dorsey, CEO at Block and co-founder of Twitter, has unveiled a new messaging app called Bitchat. Users can use the app to send messages even when they are not connected to the internet or their phones. Designed to operate on Bluetooth mesh networks, Bitchat is a decentralized communication solution intended to be more privacy-protective and resistant to censorship.
The app became available to iPhone users through Apple’s TestFlight beta program. Within a short time, it reached its 10,000-user limit, marking strong early interest. According to Dorsey, Bitchat is under review and pending wider release once Apple completes its approval process.
Bitchat uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh technology to enable peer-to-peer messaging across local networks. This infrastructure allows nearby devices to form a mesh cluster and transmit encrypted messages without relying on cellular or Wi-Fi services. Unlike conventional messaging platforms that route messages through central servers, Bitchat stores all messages locally on user devices.
Messages travel across the network by hopping from one connected device to another. While standard Bluetooth connections typically reach up to 100 meters, Dorsey stated that Bitchat extends this range to approximately 300 meters by using relays through other nearby users. This will make the application viable in areas with limited network availability, such as music festivals, remote locations, or emergency areas.
The app will also enable the automatic deletion of messages to minimize the risk of data leakage in the event of device loss or compromise. Message logs are not stored for a prolonged period of time, as there is no cloud-based database or centralized storage system.
Also Read: WhatsApp Payment Strategy Falters in India’s UPI Ecosystem
In line with Dorsey’s advocacy for decentralized technologies, Bitchat does not require users to register with phone numbers or email addresses. The app operates without requiring a recognizable login, making it challenging to track user behavior or associate communication with real-world identities. All messages are end-to-end encrypted, and encryption keys stay within the user's device.
This communication model resembles other Bluetooth-based messaging apps, such as Bridgefy, which gained attention during political protests in regions with restricted internet access. Bridge, which is also partially funded by fellow Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, adopts a similar encryption strategy. Nonetheless, Bitchat stands out by positioning itself directly alongside Dorsey's wider decentralization work, such as his previous work on the Bluesky protocol.
With its peer-to-peer structure, Bitchat positions itself as a messaging solution suited for privacy-conscious users and situations where traditional networks fail.