Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has officially introduced BitChat, a new decentralized messaging app that allows users to communicate without internet, SIM cards, or centralized servers. Currently in beta testing and available to iOS users via TestFlight, BitChat aims to redefine secure communication by prioritizing privacy, censorship resistance, and independence from corporate infrastructure.
BitChat operates through Bluetooth mesh networking, allowing messages to hop between devices instead of relying on a single server. This means even when users are out of typical Bluetooth range, messages can still travel through nearby connected devices called “bridge devices.” These bridge points help expand the network, making BitChat ideal for areas with poor or no internet access.
Dorsey announced the app on July 6, describing it as an experimental platform focused on peer-to-peer messaging, encryption, and privacy. The app comes equipped with several forward-thinking features:
- End-to-end encrypted messages that remain only on users’ devices
- Group chats (called “rooms”) that can be password-protected and tagged with hashtags
- A “store and forward” system, ensuring messages are delivered even if the recipient is temporarily offline
- Plans to introduce Wi-Fi Direct, further expanding communication speed and range
What sets BitChat apart is its commitment to zero data collection. Unlike popular apps such as WhatsApp or Messenger, BitChat doesn’t require a phone number, and no messages are stored on a cloud. Everything stays local, giving users full control over their communication.
The design of BitChat also takes inspiration from secure communication tools used during political unrest, such as the 2019 Hong Kong protests, where internet access was frequently restricted. With increasing concerns about digital surveillance and centralized control, BitChat offers a reliable solution for private, resilient communication — especially in emergencies or politically sensitive environments.
Jack Dorsey’s launch of BitChat aligns with his long-standing efforts to support decentralized technologies, following earlier projects like Bluesky and Damus. With BitChat, Dorsey is not just offering another messaging app — he’s presenting a vision for the future of communication, where users are free from surveillance, censorship, and corporate control.
