Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has launched Bitchat, a Bluetooth offline messaging app that works without Wi-Fi, SIM, or internet connection.
SAN FRANCISCO: Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has unveiled Bitchat, a new peer-to-peer messaging app that allows users to chat without Wi-Fi, SIM cards, or internet access. Designed to operate on Bluetooth mesh networks, the app enables fully offline messaging using nearby devices to form a decentralised communication chain.
Bitchat offers end-to-end encryption and functions through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, allowing devices within a 300-metre radius to relay messages to others in the mesh. This makes it ideal for use in off-grid locations, during protests, or in emergencies where traditional communication methods are unavailable.
Unlike standard messaging platforms, Bitchat does not rely on centralised servers or mobile networks. Instead, it uses nearby smartphones as relays, ensuring messages can hop from one user to another securely. The app has already attracted attention, with its TestFlight beta reaching 10,000 users in record time.
The app is currently pending App Store approval, but its early reception points to a rising interest in decentralised and resilient communication tools. The source code and technical specifications have also been made publicly available, promoting transparency and open-source collaboration.
Bitchat is part of a growing trend in secure, offline communications, and is expected to appeal to users who prioritise privacy, resilience, and independent networking. With increasing concern over surveillance and infrastructure failure, Bitchat arrives at a moment when peer-to-peer tools are more relevant than ever.
