Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Block, has announced the launch of the beta version of his new project – Bitchat. This decentralized messaging app operates exclusively over Bluetooth networks.
Bitchat Launch: Details and Features
Dorsey announced the launch of Bitchat on social media platform X, noting that his weekend was spent diving into various technologies including Bluetooth mesh networks, relays, and message encryption models. He described Bitchat as having 'IRC vibes', referencing the early days of internet messaging, signaling a return to minimal and decentralized communication protocols.
How Bitchat Works
According to the project’s white paper, Bitchat uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for communication without centralized servers, phone numbers, or email registrations. Messages are stored only in device memory, enhancing privacy as the app does not collect user data. Users can create chat rooms based on hashtags, with optional password protection, and a 'store-and-forward' mechanism allows temporary caching of messages for offline peers.
Potential Uses of Bitchat
The decentralized nature of Bitchat opens up various use cases in scenarios where internet access is unreliable or unavailable, such as during protests or disaster situations. The system’s resilience to censorship and network failures aligns with Dorsey’s advocacy for open and decentralized protocols.
Thus, Bitchat presents an intriguing initiative in the messaging domain, offering users a secure, decentralized means of communication where traditional technologies may fail.
