Jack Dorsey’s new messaging app functions without Internet: Here’s how it works

Jack Dorsey, known for co-founding Twitter, has unveiled an exciting new messaging application that operates without the need for an internet connection. Dubbed Bitchat, this app, which Dorsey refers to as a 'weekend project,' prioritizes user anonymity by not requiring any personal information. Its primary goal is to improve communication in areas where internet access is limited or nonexistent. Bitchat facilitates peer-to-peer messaging, allowing users to send messages offline through Bluetooth connectivity. Users can walk around with their devices, and the app automatically connects to nearby phones, creating a network. If the intended recipient is out of range, messages can be transmitted across multiple devices, leveraging a technique known as mesh networking. This innovative approach enables devices to interact directly over short distances without depending on central servers, phone numbers, or internet connections. Security is a top priority for Dorsey; messages are protected via end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the sender and the intended recipient can read them. Currently, Bitchat is in its beta testing phase, available to select iOS users through Apple’s TestFlight, where it has already reached its limit of 10,000 users. Dorsey has made the app's whitepaper and beta invitations accessible on X (formerly Twitter), though an official launch date remains unannounced. Meanwhile, the development team is also working on an Android version of the app, promising to expand its reach even further.