A new step toward digital independence: Jack Dorsey launches Bitchat — a messenger that works without the Internet

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and head of Block, has unveiled Bitchat — a decentralized messenger capable of functioning without an internet connection. Announced on July 6, 2025, the project is already available for beta testing on iOS via TestFlight, and its source code has been published on GitHub. Bitchat uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to create a mesh network, enabling secure and anonymous communication where internet access is unavailable.

Here's how this revolutionary messenger works, why it matters, and how it could change the way we communicate digitally.

How Does Bitchat Work?

Bitchat is based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), a technology that allows devices to exchange data over distances of up to 30 meters—even through walls. Unlike traditional messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp, Bitchat doesn’t rely on the internet or servers. Instead, it creates a decentralized mesh network where each smartphone acts as both a client and a relay.

• How it works: A user sends a message, which is passed to the nearest device running Bitchat. That device forwards it to others until it reaches the recipient. The more users in the network, the wider the coverage—potentially limitless.
• Message caching: If the recipient is temporarily out of range, the message is stored on intermediary devices for up to 12 hours (or longer for certain users) and delivered once connectivity is restored.
• Limitations: Network effectiveness depends on the number of active users. More users mean more reliable delivery. However, message transmission may be delayed until a path is established. The current version supports only text messages, breaking large ones into 500-byte chunks.

Privacy and Anonymity First

Bitchat is built with privacy and resistance to censorship in mind. Key features include:

• No registration: No email, phone number, or personal data is required. Users simply choose a username or create password-protected chat rooms.
• End-to-end encryption: Messages are protected with Curve25519 and AES-GCM protocols, making interception virtually impossible. Digital signatures verify message authenticity.
• Ephemeral messages: Conversations are stored only in device memory and deleted after delivery—nothing is saved on servers.
• Group chats: Password-protected IRC-style rooms are supported, using commands like /join, /msg, and /who.

Bitchat enables encrypted communication without reliance on internet infrastructure, making it resilient to outages and censorship, the project’s technical documentation states.

Where Bitchat Can Be Useful

Bitchat is designed for use in scenarios where the internet is unavailable or blocked. Key use cases:

• Protests and demonstrations: Ensures communication under censorship, similar to how Bridgefy was used during the Hong Kong protests.
• Emergency situations: Helpful during natural disasters when mobile networks are overloaded or down.
• Large events: At festivals or concerts where networks are congested, Bitchat enables offline messaging.
• Remote areas: Ideal for regions without Wi-Fi or mobile network coverage.

This is a messenger for digital freedom in an era of shutdowns and control, Dorsey noted, highlighting its potential for anonymous, resilient communication.

Dorsey’s Philosophy in Action

Bitchat is not Dorsey’s first decentralization-focused project. After stepping down from Bluesky’s board in 2024 and backing initiatives like Bitcoin and Nostr, he continues to develop tools free from centralized control. Bitchat draws inspiration from 1990s IRC chats, which Dorsey cited as a source of influence, while applying modern technologies for maximum privacy.

How to Try Bitchat

As of July 8, 2025, Bitchat is in beta:

• iOS: Available via TestFlight, though tester slots are limited.
• macOS: Can be built manually using the open-source code on GitHub (https://github.com/jackjackbits/bitchat).
• Android: Instructions are not yet available, limiting access—especially since Android holds 74.26% of the mobile OS market compared to iOS’s 25.39% (StatCounter, June 2025).

Developers plan to add Wi-Fi support in the future to handle larger data transfers and boost speed.

Pros and Limitations

Pros:

• Fully autonomous from the internet and servers
• Strong privacy through encryption and no personal data
• Resistant to censorship and network shutdowns
• Simple setup: just install the app and choose a name

Limitations:

• Network effectiveness depends on user density
• Message delivery delays due to mesh routing
• Text-only messaging (no file, photo, or video support)
• No Android version at launch

Conclusion

Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat is a bold step toward building a messenger that defies internet outages, censorship, and surveillance. Using Bluetooth Low Energy and mesh networking, it enables anonymous and secure communication where traditional platforms like Telegram or WhatsApp cannot operate. While still in beta and currently limited to iOS and macOS, its open-source code and decentralization philosophy have already sparked interest. Bitchat could become a vital tool for protests, emergencies, or simply staying connected in internet-deprived zones.