Jack Dorsey has a new ambition: building a fully encrypted messaging app that operates through Bluetooth.
What’s happening:
- Block (NYSE: XYZ) founder Jack Dorsey has launched a beta version of a new open source encrypted messaging app known as Bitchat
The big idea:
- Bitchat operates over Bluetooth mesh networks, which does not require internet access or cellular coverage
- Messages are sent peer-to-peer through Bluetooth Low Energy and can reach users within 300 metres
- Bitchat does not require phone numbers or any centralized infrastructure and allows messages to instantly delete after being viewed
Why it matters:
- This is one of the first times an encrypted messaging app has been built leveraging Bluetooth in a way that is fully open-source and decentralized
Going deeper:
- Jack Dorsey launched a beta version of Bitchat on iOS TestFlight which immediately hit the limit of 10,000 unique downloads after being launched
- Jack Dorsey has also publicly stated he is further refining Bitchat for a official release on the App Store in the near future
