Twitter co-founder and Block Head Jack Dorsey launched a new peer-to-peer messaging app over the weekend called Bitchat that runs entirely over Bluetooth. Bitchat relies on Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networks to send encrypted communications directly to nearby devices without requiring internet or cellular service.
“Bitchat addresses the need for resilient, private communication that doesn’t depend on centralized infrastructure,” according to a white paper published on Dorsey’s Github page. “By leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networking, Bitchat enables direct peer-to-peer messaging within physical proximity, with automatic message relay extending the effective range beyond direct Bluetooth connections.”
Images of the app posted by Dorsey also show that Bitchat operates without accounts, servers, or data collection, and includes privacy features like password-protected channels and a “Panic Mode” that instantly clears all data when the logo is triple-tapped.
Similar Bluetooth-based messaging apps like Bridgefy and the now-defunct FireChat have notably been used by pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong over the last decade because they’re harder for Chinese authorities to trace or block. While Bridgefy says it can send messages over a distance of 100 meters (330 feet), Bitchat offers a range of more than 300 meters (984 feet), with future updates planned that will allow users to increase speed and range via Wi-Fi Direct.
Bitchat is available to beta testers via Apple TestFlight, but TestFlight is currently full after reaching its maximum 10,000-user capacity. Dorsey says the app is still undergoing review ahead of its full release.
