Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has unveiled Bitchat, a secure messaging app that works without internet.
The app uses Bluetooth mesh networks for encrypted, peer-to-peer chats in offline environments.
Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and current CEO of Block Inc., has unveiled Bitchat, a revolutionary messaging application that operates entirely offline, using Bluetooth mesh networks for secure, encrypted peer-to-peer communication.
The launch marks a notable advancement in decentralized messaging technology, offering users the ability to send and receive messages without internet or mobile data. This feature could be transformative for users in low-connectivity regions or during network outages.
Bitchat uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to form mesh networks among nearby devices. Messages are passed securely from one device to another, even across multiple devices, until they reach the intended recipient. Crucially, messages are end-to-end encrypted, stored only on local devices, and automatically deleted after a short duration, ensuring maximum privacy and minimal data-trace.
The app’s structure enables “message hopping,” where a single message travels from one phone to another until it reaches its destination, even if the person it is intended for was initially offline. Once the device rejoins the mesh, it receives the pending message seamlessly.
Dorsey’s latest venture reflects growing demand for privacy-first communication tools. In contrast to conventional apps that rely on cloud-based servers and internet access, Bitchat is designed to serve communities where connectivity is poor or surveillance is high.
“This is about putting communication back in the hands of users secure, decentralized, and completely in your control,” Dorsey reportedly said during a private beta demonstration of the app.
Bitchat also stands out in its ephemerality. By design, messages don’t linger, they vanish shortly after delivery. This not only supports privacy but also reduces the risk of message leakage or long-term tracking.
While still in the early rollout phases, Bitchat is expected to gain traction in areas with limited digital infrastructure, such as remote villages, disaster zones, or activist communities operating under strict surveillance.
Experts in cybersecurity and privacy have lauded the app’s design as a forward-thinking alternative to traditional messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram, especially for off-grid or crisis-prone environments.
