Former Twitter CEO Launches Decentralised Messaging App Inspired by Bitcoin

In a bold move to reshape digital communication, former Twitter CEO and co-founder Jack Dorsey has launched the beta version of Bitchat, a decentralised peer-to-peer messaging app that doesn't require internet access to function.

The application, developed under Dorsey’s company Block, utilises Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networking, allowing users to send encrypted messages without relying on centralised servers or traditional connectivity.

"It offers fast, encrypted communication without relying on internet infrastructure, making it resilient against network outages and censorship," reads a statement on Bitchat’s official website.

Although Bitchat doesn’t mention Bitcoin (BTC) directly, Dorsey draws strong conceptual parallels between the messaging service and the decentralised principles of the world’s largest cryptocurrency. At its core, Bitchat shares the same mission as Bitcoin: removing the need for intermediaries and giving users full control over their data and interactions.

The app is built around end-to-end encryption and designed with privacy and resilience in mind. In the face of increasing concerns over surveillance, censorship, and internet shutdowns — particularly in authoritarian regimes — Bitchat emerges as a potential solution for communities needing secure and independent communication channels.

A Message Platform Without the Internet?

Bitchat’s standout feature is its ability to operate offline, using Bluetooth to establish a mesh network between devices. This makes it especially valuable in crisis situations, protest zones, or remote locations with limited internet access.

However, the app comes with some limitations. Users must be within Bluetooth range — roughly 300 metres — to connect and exchange messages. This constraint significantly limits its functionality compared to mainstream messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal, which rely on internet-based infrastructure to transmit messages globally.

Still, for many in the decentralised tech community, the trade-off is worth it. The app represents a meaningful step toward sovereign communication, free from surveillance capitalism and government control. For Jack Dorsey, a long-time advocate of open protocols and decentralised technology, Bitchat fits into a broader vision of creating internet-independent digital tools that empower users.

What’s Next for Bitchat?

As of now, Bitchat remains in beta, and it’s still unclear how the application will evolve in terms of scalability and adoption. But its existence signals a growing shift towards post-internet infrastructure, especially among developers inspired by Bitcoin’s decentralised model.

With Bitchat, Jack Dorsey continues to push the boundaries of digital communication, encouraging users to rethink their relationship with connectivity, privacy, and control.

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