Jack Dorsey Launches Beta for ‘Bitchat,’ a Decentralized Messaging App That Works Without Internet
Block CEO and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has unveiled the beta version of Bitchat, a fully decentralized, peer-to-peer messaging platform that operates without the internet using Bluetooth mesh networks. The app promises secure, end-to-end encrypted communication without reliance on centralized infrastructure or traditional mobile networks.
Dorsey introduced the project over the weekend in a series of posts on X, describing Bitchat as having “IRC vibes” — a nod to the early days of internet messaging. He also released a detailed white paper outlining the app’s architecture and use cases.
and here’s an ugly whitepaper describing protocol: https://t.co/AhJ1y0jJdP
— jack (@jack) July 6, 2025
No Internet? No Problem
Bitchat leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks to allow short-range, multi-hop communication across devices. Each user’s phone acts as both a client and relay, creating a self-organizing mesh that allows messages to “hop” between nearby devices to reach more distant recipients.
Messages can be:
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Sent privately (peer-to-peer),
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Shared in chat rooms (identified by hashtags),
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Or broadcast publicly across the mesh.
The system supports 30-meter communication per hop, and can bridge larger distances through intermediary nodes. Future versions will support WiFi connectivity, enhancing range and bandwidth.
Features: Ephemeral, Encrypted, and Serverless
According to the white paper, Bitchat is designed for maximum privacy and resilience:
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No central servers, accounts, or phone numbers are required to use the app.
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Messages are ephemeral by default — stored only temporarily in device memory.
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End-to-end encryption ensures message privacy.
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A store-and-forward system allows temporary caching for users who are temporarily offline.
This design eliminates vulnerabilities found in centralized platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger, which are operated by large tech firms that monetize user data.
Designed for Critical Situations
Dorsey emphasized Bitchat’s potential utility in scenarios such as:
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Protests and civil unrest, where communication may be monitored or disrupted.
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Natural disasters, when infrastructure is down.
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Conferences or large gatherings, where cell towers are overloaded.
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Remote areas, where no internet access is available.
The white paper concludes that Bitchat proves secure, private communication is achievable without the internet, combining BLE mesh networking, encryption, and privacy-preserving design into one cohesive platform.
A New Chapter in Decentralized Messaging
Dorsey’s history with decentralized communication stretches back to 2019 when he founded Bluesky, a decentralized social media protocol. However, he stepped down from the Bluesky board in May 2024.
With Bitchat, Dorsey continues to champion user sovereignty and privacy, proposing a communication tool that works “anywhere people gather,” regardless of connectivity or censorship.
As the beta test begins, Bitchat could set a new standard for censorship-resistant, infrastructure-independent messaging — pushing decentralized technology one step further into everyday use.
