Twitter co-founder and blockchain chief Jack Dorsey over the weekend launched a new peer-to-peer messaging app called Bitchat that works entirely over Bluetooth. Bitchat relies on Bluetooth’s low-energy mesh networks to send encrypted messages directly to neighboring devices without requiring internet access or mobile connectivity.
“Bitchat addresses the need for reliable private communication that does not rely on a centralized infrastructure,” says a white paper published on Dorsey’s Github page. “Using Bluetooth’s low-energy mesh network, Bitchat enables direct peer-to-peer messaging within physical proximity, and automatic message relaying extends the effective range beyond direct Bluetooth connections.”
Images of the app published by Dorsey also show that Bitchat works without accounts, servers or data collection and includes privacy features such as password-protected channels and a “Panic Mode” that instantly clears all data when you triple-tap the logo.
Similar Bluetooth messaging apps such as Bridgefy and the now-defunct FireChat have been used by pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong over the past decade as it has been harder for Chinese authorities to track or block them. While Bridgefy claims to be able to send messages over 100 meters (330 feet), Bitchat offers a range of over 300 meters (984 feet), and an update is planned for the future that will allow users to increase speed and range via Wi-Fi Direct.
Bitchat is available for beta testers through Apple’s TestFlight, but TestFlight is currently full after reaching the maximum number of users of 10,000. Dorsey says that the app is still being finalized before its full release.
