Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey introduces early version of bluetooth messaging app, Bitchat

Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey revealed that he was working on a messaging service called Bitchat that relies on Bluetooth mesh networking to enable communication even without the internet.

“[M]y weekend project to learn about bluetooth mesh networks, relays and store and forward models, message encryption models, and a few other things. bitchat: bluetooth mesh chat...IRC vibes,” posted Dorsey on X on Monday (July 7, 2025), likely referring to the aesthetics of Internet Relay Chat protocols from the past.

According to a graphic that Dorsey shared, Bitchat will include features such as offline communication up to a range of more than 300m, end-to-end encryption, topic-based rooms, password-protected rooms, mentions, and a ‘favourites’ system. So far, the design appears to be minimalistic and resembles a programming or coding surface in terms of its UI.

Privacy is set to be a key factor, as Dorsey noted that there would be no servers, accounts, or data collection.

“[B]itchat addresses the need for resilient, private communication that doesn’t depend on centralized infrastructure. By leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networking, bitchat enables direct peer-to-peer messaging within physical proximity, with automatic message relay extending the effective range beyond direct Bluetooth connections,” noted Dorsey in a whitepaper that he shared.

An early version of Bitchat is currently undergoing its app store review, he told another X user. The app has also hit its beta tester limit.

Dorsey previously worked on the social media platforms Twitter (now X) and its decentralised off-shoot Bluesky. However, Musk bought X and Dorsey is no longer associated with Bluesky.

Published - July 08, 2025 12:20 pm IST