Tech Mogul Jack Dorsey Creates New Encrypted Messaging Protocol Called BitChat

Tech mogul Jack Dorsey is testing a new decentralized, peer-to-peer encrypted messaging app that does not rely on the internet or phone numbers.

The new messenger, which Dorsey calls “bitchat,” instead utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks.

BLE is designed for lower power consumption and is used to transfer small amounts of data between nearby devices, according to Android Developers. Mesh networks rely on interconnected nodes to create a decentralized network.

Dorsey explains in the bitchat whitepaper that the messenger provides “ephemeral, encrypted communication without relying on internet infrastructure, making it resilient to network outages and censorship.”

“bitchat addresses the need for resilient, private communication that doesn’t depend on centralized infrastructure. By leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networking, bitchat enables direct peer-to-peer messaging within physical proximity, with automatic message relay extending the effective range beyond direct Bluetooth connections.

Key Features:

• Decentralized: No servers, no infrastructure dependencies
• Ephemeral: Messages exist only in device memory by default
• Encrypted: End-to-end encryption for private messages
• Resilient: Automatic mesh networking and message relay
• Private: No phone numbers, emails, or permanent identifiers”

Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter (now known as X), says governments will not be able to block bitchat unless they use Bluetooth jammers.

Generated Image: Midjourney