Jack Dorsey working on Bluetooth messaging app, Bitchat

Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Block and co-founder of Twitter, took to X on Sunday evening to announce his latest project: a messaging application named Bitchat. The name appears to be a clever blend of 'bit' and 'chat,' steering clear of any unintended interpretations. Bitchat is designed to facilitate communication through Bluetooth mesh networks, enabling users to send messages without relying on Wi-Fi or cellular networks. While traditional Bluetooth messaging apps typically function within a limited range of about 100 meters, Dorsey claims that Bitchat can extend this reach. By relaying messages through connected peers, the app aims to achieve a range of up to 300 meters (approximately 984 feet), making it particularly useful in crowded environments such as music festivals where cellular signal may be unreliable. The concept of Bluetooth messaging is not new; one of its leading applications, Bridgefy, gained fame during pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong for its ability to operate independently of the internet, thereby evading detection by authorities. Both Bridgefy and Bitchat emphasize user privacy with end-to-end encryption. Interestingly, Bridgefy has received funding from Biz Stone, another Twitter co-founder. Dorsey's venture into app development aligns with his longstanding commitment to decentralizing technology. A vocal advocate for Bitcoin, he also initiated the Bluesky project during his tenure as Twitter's CEO, although he is no longer connected to its current operations. Currently, Bitchat is in beta testing through Apple’s Testflight, which has quickly reached its limit of 10,000 users. Dorsey has indicated that the app is still undergoing review before its official launch.