Bitchat: Jack Dorsey's Messenger Without Internet, SIM Cards and Censorship
What is Bitchat and how does it work?
Jack Dorsey, the former CEO of Twitter and the current head of Block, presented a new project - Bitchat. This is a messenger that completely works without the usual dependencies like the Internet, SIM cards and even central servers. Messages are transmitted via Bluetooth through the mesh network of smartphones, that is, from device to device.
Encryption is built in by default, no login data or accounts are needed. Everything is as anonymous as possible and resistant to failures.
Why it matters
Bitchat is not just another messenger. It is an attempt to create a new paradigm of communication — not a platform with an owner and servers, but a protocol where each network participant is independent and free.
The idea was not born out of nowhere: during the protests in Hong Kong, activists used similar technologies to stay in touch without access to the Internet. It was this experience that inspired Bitchat.
Where and for whom it will be useful
Such a messenger is especially useful:
- at festivals and public events where communication is overloaded;
- during rallies or protests, where the Internet can be intentionally turned off;
- in case of natural disasters or other emergencies when the infrastructure does not work.
What's next
So far, the project is in beta. But the team is already working on the next steps:
- WiFi Direct support is another way to communicate without the Internet.
- Perhaps the introduction of offline Bitcoin payments, which will completely close the cycle of independent communication and exchange of value.
Failure or revolution?
It's hard to say whether Bitchat will go to the masses. But as an idea and an experiment, it's a very strong step towards digital autonomy. And if the technology really takes off, it could change the very idea of what communication is in the digital world.
celese Haha, classic! First they screwed over the players, then the license turned out to be fake, and now they’re trying to undo everything. A total circus. Yeah, everything will just get bought. They’ll pay whoever they need in Curaçao and get a new license. Money rules everything, especially in this industry.
Mangarin4ik The section about how casinos fire VPNs is a gun. I've never thought about WebRTC and the time zone. Author, thank you, you may have just saved my next deposit.
If they add offline bitcoins, it will be real cyberpunk. I'm all for it.
The idea is super. All that remains is to save the battery, not like TikTok.
They should get the slots there
Well… And then it begins: "your Bitchat is being used by terrorists". They will ban it in a month.
Without the Internet, without surveillance - genius.
Well… And then it begins: "your Bitchat is being used by terrorists". They will ban it in a month.