"Bitchat: Message Freely Without Internet via Bluetooth"

Bitchat by Jack Dorsey

An Offline, Encrypted Messaging App Revolutionizing Peer-to-Peer Communication

What is Bitchat?

Bitchat is a peer-to-peer, encrypted messaging app developed by Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Block Inc.
It is designed to function entirely without an internet connection, using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networking to connect users directly between nearby devices.

Key Functional Highlights

1)      No Internet Required: Works without Wi-Fi, mobile data, or cellular network.

2)      No Personal Info Needed: Requires no phone number, email, or login credentials.

3)      Encrypted & Secure: Uses end-to-end encryption for all messages.

4)      Bluetooth Mesh Network: Enables communication in a range of ~100 meters, expandable to ~300 meters using message relaying.

5)      Auto-Deleting Messages: Messages are stored only on the device and automatically deleted after a period (e.g., 12 hours).

6)      No Central Server: Operates in a fully decentralized environment.

Top Features

1. Private & Group Chats: Communicate 1-to-1 or in password-protected group rooms with hashtags.
2. Store-and-Forward Delivery: Messages are stored and relayed to offline users when they reconnect.
3. Panic Mode: Triple-tap the app’s logo to instantly wipe all data from the device.
4. Decentralized Communication: Each user’s device acts as a node, keeping the app independent of infrastructure.
5. Future Upgrade - Wi-Fi Direct: Upcoming support for Wi-Fi Direct will improve range and speed.

Real-World Use Cases

v  Disaster Response: Works in natural disasters (earthquakes, floods) where networks are unavailable.

v  Internet Censorship Bypass: Helps users communicate during internet shutdowns or government blocks.

v  Remote Communication: Ideal for rural areas, forests, or mountains with no signal.

v  Large Gatherings: Suitable for protests, concerts, festivals, and stadiums.

v  Military & Emergency Services: Useful for secure field communications.

Origin and Vision

v  Created as a “weekend experiment” by Jack Dorsey.

v  Inspired by IRC, Bridgefy, and decentralized models.

v  Aimed at building privacy-first, censorship-resistant, and infrastructure-free communication tools.

v  Part of Dorsey's broader vision seen in Bluesky and Nostr projects.

Beta Launch and Availability

• iOS TestFlight (Beta): Reached 10,000-user limit.
• Android Version: Currently in development.
• Open Source Protocol: Technical whitepaper and code available on GitHub.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Designed to be platform-agnostic.

Technology Stack

v  Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networking.

v  End-to-end encryption for secure messaging.

v  Store-and-forward technology for asynchronous communication.

v  Wi-Fi Direct integration coming soon.

Privacy and Decentralization Philosophy

ü  No surveillance or data collection.

ü  No centralized storage or control.

ü  Resilient to censorship and shutdowns.

ü  Empowers users with ownership of communication.

ü  As Dorsey described: “It’s like texting without infrastructure.”

Conclusion

Bitchat is more than a messaging app. It’s a privacy revolution.
It empowers users to communicate securely, anonymously, and without the internet, making it a vital tool for those in crisis zones, under censorship, or in off-grid environments. With its decentralized and encrypted framework, Bitchat stands out as a game-changer in modern messaging.