Jack Dorsey launches Bitchat, a WhatsApp rival that works without internet

In a significant move towards enhancing private communication, Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter, introduced the Bitchat app on Apple’s App Store days ago. This innovative app leverages Bluetooth technology, enabling users to send messages even in the absence of conventional internet services such as WiFi or cellular data. With a Bluetooth range typically limited to around 100 meters, the app further employs a mesh networking feature that relays messages through nearby users, thus extending its effective range. According to reports, the app can be particularly valuable in scenarios where traditional communication networks are overloaded or unavailable, such as during large public gatherings, festivals, or in remote areas. Dorsey stated that the app was developed over a single weekend with an intent to create a platform focused on privacy and decentralization. Users can communicate without needing to provide personal identifiers like phone numbers or email addresses, which enhances anonymity. This privacy-first approach is echoed in the app’s design, making it resistant to state internet restrictions and providing a secure channel during protests or demonstrations. Experts have noted the rising need for secure messaging platforms in our increasingly monitored digital landscape. The decentralized nature of the Bitchat app highlights the potential for new communication infrastructures that are less dependent on central authority and are capable of safeguarding user privacy. As communication technologies evolve, alternatives like Bitchat may shape the future of private interactions.