Jack Dorsey, the co-founder and former CEO of Twitter (now called X), is launching a new messaging app named BitChat. This app is designed as a direct alternative to WhatsApp, but with a special twist—The internet is not necessary for it to function.
How BitChat Works Without Internet
BitChat is a peer-to-peer, decentralised messaging tool. It works using Bluetooth mesh networks, meaning it doesn’t rely on any internet connection, central server, phone number, or even email.
Instead of the internet, the app connects nearby devices using Bluetooth to send messages from one phone to another.
Still in Testing Phase
In a recent post on X, Jack Dorsey shared that BitChat is still being tested. Interested users can try the early version of the app through an app called TestFlight.
Also, the app’s white paper has been published on GitHub, explaining its purpose and how it works in detail.
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What is a White Paper?
A white paper is a document that explains how a new app or technology works. It usually includes its goals, technical process, and design. This helps people understand the full picture of the project.
A Personal Research Project by Dorsey
The messaging program BitChat is peer-to-peer and decentralised. He has been working on new technologies like Bluetooth mesh networking, message relaying, a “store and forward” message model, and strong encryption methods.
Messages Are Temporary and Encrypted
BitChat lets users send temporary and encrypted messages to nearby devices. These messages are not stored for long and are not saved on any central server.
As users move from place to place, their phones help form local Bluetooth clusters that pass messages from one phone to another—eventually reaching even faraway users, without needing mobile data or Wi-Fi.
What Are Bridge Devices?
A key feature of BitChat is the use of bridge devices. These connect several Bluetooth clusters together, allowing the network to grow and spread further.
By default, messages are saved only on the user’s device and are deleted automatically, never going to any central server.
Focus on Privacy and Freedom
This app reflects Jack Dorsey’s long-standing belief in user privacy and freedom from censorship. BitChat is built to give people a way to communicate safely and privately—without depending on big tech servers or internet connections.
Source: Bangladesh Times
