Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey announces new messaging app that works without internet

The former CEO and co-founder of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, has launched a new messaging app that does not require an internet connection. The application called “Bitchat” is described as a “decentralised peer-to-peer messaging application that operates over Bluetooth Low energy mesh networks.”  

On a post on X, Dorsey called the application his “weekend project.” He also shared a white paper describing the application. 

The app is designed to work even through censorship and places with poor internet connection or network outages.                                                                                                                                                                

Bitchat also does not rely on “permanent identifiers” such as email addresses or phone numbers, according to the white paper. 

What is mesh networking?

Mesh networking works locally, connecting devices together like branches instead of being connected to a single source like a Wi-Fi router. 

Bitchat uses Bluetooth clusters created by devices within a range of about 30 metres. As users move, their devices can bridge clusters created by other devices.

The app does not rely on any infrastructure or servers. This means that, unlike traditional messaging apps, it does not require the internet or any server to send and receive messages.

Bitchat instead stores messages in nearby devices as a cache and relays them to the receiver when they use the app. The messages are also deleted after a short while. 

The app is also encrypted and not designed to collect personal data or track user behaviour. Moreover, Bitchat is designed to reduce or increase performance according to battery levels. 

The beta version of the application is now on TestFlight for iPhone users.

As soon as Dorsey made the announcement, all 10,000 spots available on TestFlight were filled. 

The app is currently being tested for battery optimisations and message relay stability. There are also plans for additional enhancements, such as adding Wi-Fi Direct as an alternate method of transport. 

Dorsey said on X that the app is currently under review before a full release.