Jack Dorsey Unveils “Bitchat”: Offline Messaging Reimagined
Tech visionary and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has launched a groundbreaking messaging app named Bitchat. The app is making headlines not just for its name—but for its revolutionary features. Operating entirely via Bluetooth, Bitchat requires no Wi-Fi or cellular connection to function. With end-to-end encryption built in, the app positions itself as a serious contender in the privacy-first communication space.
How Does Bitchat Work?
Bitchat leverages Bluetooth mesh networking, allowing messages to hop between nearby devices until they reach the intended recipient. Similar to technologies used in disaster zones and protest movements, this decentralized protocol makes it nearly impossible for centralized authorities or corporations to intercept communication.
- No SIM card or phone number required
- Works offline via local Bluetooth connections
- App size under 50MB and optimized for low power consumption
The app is currently available in closed beta for both Android and iOS users, with a public release expected in Q4 2025.
Privacy First: Full End-to-End Encryption
Dorsey emphasized Bitchat’s commitment to user privacy during the launch event. “No servers, no data brokers, no surveillance,” he declared. Every message is fully end-to-end encrypted using open-source protocols audited by independent security experts.
Notably, Bitchat does not store messages on-device once delivered and does not collect metadata, making it virtually impossible to track user behavior or conversations—even under legal pressure.
A Shockwave in Big Tech
The launch of Bitchat has sent ripples through the tech industry. Major players like Meta (WhatsApp) and Apple (iMessage) may face pressure to match Dorsey’s privacy stance. Analysts are calling this “a direct challenge to surveillance capitalism.”
Following the announcement, shares of several Big Tech companies dipped modestly as investors weighed the disruptive potential of truly decentralized communication.
“Bitchat isn’t just a product—it’s a statement. A reimagining of what peer-to-peer communication could be in a post-platform world,” said a VC at a16z.
Dorsey's Vision: Decentralization Over Everything
Jack Dorsey has long advocated for open internet standards and financial independence from Big Tech and centralized institutions. With Bitchat, he’s pushing the boundaries of that vision. “Connectivity should be a human right, not a business model,” he tweeted shortly after the launch.
Experts view Bitchat as a natural evolution of Dorsey's earlier ventures, including Bluesky (a decentralized social protocol) and Block (formerly Square), his fintech company focused on Bitcoin infrastructure.
What Comes Next?
- Beta testing continues with 5,000 early users across the U.S. and Europe.
- Open-source release of the protocol is expected in early 2026.
- Governments and regulators are already watching closely due to national security concerns.
As concerns about privacy, digital sovereignty, and surveillance intensify globally, Bitchat may be arriving at just the right time. Whether it succeeds will depend on adoption, user trust—and how Big Tech and regulators respond.