Jack Dorsey introduced a messaging app that doesn’t need internet: All about it

Tech innovator Jack Dorsey has unveiled an exciting new decentralized messaging platform named Bitchat, which operates without the need for internet connectivity or personal data. Dorsey described this initiative as a "weekend project," and it enables users to engage in peer-to-peer messaging through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks, effectively allowing communication over distances exceeding 300 meters, even when cellular and Wi-Fi services are unavailable. Currently, Bitchat is accessible through Apple’s TestFlight, though early access slots were quickly filled following the announcement. According to a whitepaper released on GitHub, the application facilitates direct messaging between devices, where each phone functions as both a sender and receiver. This innovative setup allows for multi-hop message transfers, enabling messages to traverse through several nearby devices, thereby expanding the range of communication further. One of the standout features of Bitchat is its lack of requirements for phone numbers, emails, or any form of user accounts. This decentralization, free from servers or centralized control, makes the app highly resistant to censorship and disruptions in network services. Messages are stored temporarily on devices, with an automatic caching feature that ensures delivery when the recipient reconnects to the mesh network. The app employs a tiered message retention strategy, automatically deleting standard messages after 12 hours, while favorited messages can be retained indefinitely. For enhanced security, Bitchat utilizes end-to-end encryption, combining the Curve25519 elliptic curve with the AES-GCM algorithm to provide robust data protection. In terms of functionality, Bitchat includes familiar tools such as user mentions and topic-based rooms, similar to channels found on platforms like Discord. Users can also secure rooms with passwords for additional privacy. Dorsey emphasized the app's unique position within the current messaging landscape, highlighting its infrastructure-free design and absence of identifying requirements as a refreshing alternative to centralized platforms that are often subject to surveillance.