Jack Dorsey’s New Messaging App Could Revolutionize Offline Communication
Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Block and co-founder of Twitter, has unveiled a new experimental messaging platform that could change how we communicate offline. The app, named Bitchat, is a fully decentralized, encrypted Bluetooth chat app that doesn’t require an internet connection or mobile data to operate.
Dorsey introduced the app in its beta version, describing it as a modern-day take on the IRC chatrooms of the late 1990s. But unlike traditional chat apps, Bitchat works without accounts, servers, or personal data — and that’s a game-changer.
What Is Bitchat and How Does It Work?
Bitchat is built to function entirely over Bluetooth, allowing devices within a 30-meter range to send and receive messages. What makes it powerful is that each device acts as both a client and a relay node. This means messages can “hop” from one phone to another, creating an organic, peer-to-peer mesh network.
Key technical highlights:
- No need for accounts, emails, or phone numbers
- End-to-end encryption ensures privacy
- Messages are stored only in device memory
- Large messages are split into 500-byte fragments
- Bridge nodes link isolated clusters of users for extended range
According to the app’s white paper, the design focuses on privacy, decentralization, and resilience. It’s ideal for use in crowded events, protests, or disaster zones where internet is down.
Why It Matters: Privacy and Connectivity in Crisis
Bitchat offers a unique solution in scenarios where traditional communication methods fail. From natural disasters and blackouts to digital censorship and surveillance, Bitchat empowers users to stay connected while maintaining total anonymity.
Unlike mainstream apps that rely on central servers, cloud storage, or mobile networks, Bitchat ensures user control over their data. Messages never leave the local ecosystem, making it extremely difficult to intercept or trace.
This direction aligns with Dorsey’s growing advocacy for decentralized technologies. In the past, he has supported projects like Nostr and Bluesky, both focused on giving users more control over their data and interactions.
What’s Next for Bitchat?
Although currently in beta, Bitchat’s roadmap includes adding Wi-Fi support for transmitting larger files and expanding its potential beyond just text messaging. The goal is to develop a resilient, censorship-resistant communication protocol that can scale to larger networks in the future.
If successful, Bitchat could redefine secure messaging in regions with limited connectivity or high surveillance, offering a lifeline to activists, journalists, or just everyday users seeking genuine digital privacy.
Conclusion: Could This Be the Future of Offline Messaging?
With Bitchat, Jack Dorsey has introduced more than just a chat app — he’s presented a vision for decentralized, privacy-first communication. As concerns about surveillance and digital control rise, tools like Bitchat are becoming essential. It’s too early to tell how widely this protocol will be adopted, but one thing is certain: the idea of messaging without the internet just got a serious upgrade.
