Block CEO and Twitter founder, Jack Dorsey, has launched Bitchat, a new decentralised peer-to-peer (P2P) messaging app that works over Bluetooth mesh networks, with no internet, central servers, phone numbers or emails.
Dorsey disclosed in a recent post on X that the new platform functions without an internet connection but uses Bluetooth mesh networks
He said that the new platform does not require usernames, phone numbers or emails for connection. …CONTINUE READING
How does Bitchat work?
Dorsey announced in a post on X on Sunday, July 6, 2025, that the new app is a personal experiment in Bluetooth mesh networks, relays and stores, and store-and-forward models, message encryption, and a few other things.
According to him, Bitchat enables ephemeral, encrypted communication between nearby devices.
CNBC reported that as users move through physical space, their phones form local Bluetooth clusters and pass messages from device to device, allowing them to reach peers beyond standard range, even without Wi-Fi or cell signals.
Dorsey disclosed that bridge devices connect to overlapping clusters, increasing the mesh across greater distances.
Messages are stored only on devices, disappear by default and never touch centralised infrastructure, showing Dorsey’s push for privacy-preserving censorship-resistant communication, experts say.
How are messages sent?
Bitchat’s launch builds on his support for Damus and Bluesky and reflects a broader campaign to decentralise everything from social media to payments.
Bitchat is designed to keep working when the internet is blocked, offering a censorship-resistant way to stay connected during outages, shutdowns or surveillance.
The new app also supports optional group chats, or rooms, which can be named with hashtags and protected by passwords.
It includes store-and-forward functions that deliver messages to offline users. According to reports, a future update will add WiFi Direct to increase speed and range, pushing Dorsey’s plan for off-grid, user-owned communication further.
How Bitchat is different from others
Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat introduces several unique features that set it apart from traditional chat apps.
One of the key distinctions is its focus on privacy and decentralisation. Unlike many popular messaging platforms, which rely on central servers to manage user data, Bitchat utilises decentralised technology, ensuring that messages are not stored or controlled by a central authority.
This approach prioritises user privacy and security, as users have more control over their data.
Also, Bitchat integrates Bitcoin’s Lightning Network for fast, low-cost transactions. This allows users to send micro-payments within the chat, creating a seamless link between communication and cryptocurrency.
This is especially appealing for users looking for a platform that combines social interaction with financial transactions, all while ensuring anonymity and decentralisation.
Another standout feature is its open-source nature, allowing developers to contribute and build on the platform. This openness fosters innovation and ensures that the app evolves based on user and community feedback, rather than corporate interests.
Overall, Bitchat’s emphasis on privacy, decentralised control, and integration with cryptocurrency makes it a refreshing alternative to traditional messaging apps.
