Inbizzy, Jakarta, Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, has officially launched Bitchat, a peer-to-peer decentralized messaging app that operates entirely without internet, Wi-Fi, or cellular service. Utilizing Bluetooth mesh technology, Bitchat enables encrypted communication directly between devices, creating a local network without the need for centralized infrastructure.
Described by Dorsey as an “experiment in Bluetooth mesh networks, relays, store-and-forward models, and encryption protocols,” Bitchat is designed to function even under conditions where internet access is restricted or completely blocked.
Secure, Private, and Internet-Free Messaging
Bitchat allows users to create group chats with hashtags and password protection. Messages are stored only on the user’s device and, by default, disappear over time. The app does not connect to any central server, ensuring that messages remain private and resistant to surveillance or censorship.
Thanks to its store-and-forward model, Bitchat can also deliver messages to users who were temporarily offline, as long as they come back within Bluetooth range of other users in the mesh.
This technology mirrors methods used during events like the 2019 Hong Kong protests, where demonstrators relied on internet-free communication tools to maintain coordination in the face of digital censorship.
Future Enhancements
An upcoming version of the app will support Wi-Fi Direct, significantly boosting connection speed and expanding the network’s range. This will allow Bitchat to support larger groups and faster message delivery while maintaining its decentralized principles.
Currently, Bitchat is available in beta through Apple’s TestFlight, though all testing slots have already been filled due to high demand from early adopters.
With Bitchat, Jack Dorsey further emphasizes his long-standing commitment to decentralized communication. The project follows his work on Bluesky, an open-source social media platform that also prioritizes user control and independence from centralized platforms.
