The Bitchat app, developed by Block CEO and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, offers secure offline communication without internet or mobile networks. He built it over a weekend, merging the ideas of “bit” and “chat” into a decentralized tool.
The Bitchat app works using Bluetooth mesh networks, enabling users to send encrypted messages without relying on cell service or Wi-Fi. Typically, Bluetooth apps work within a 100-meter range. But Dorsey claims Bitchat can reach up to 300 meters by passing messages through nearby users.
This feature makes it ideal for places with poor network access—like music festivals, protests, or remote areas. It allows users to stay connected in real-time without an internet connection.
Apps like Bridgefy have shown how powerful Bluetooth messaging can be. Protesters in Hong Kong used it during demonstrations, avoiding government surveillance. Bitchat offers similar privacy features, including end-to-end encryption.
Bridgefy is backed by Biz Stone, another Twitter co-founder. Meanwhile, Dorsey has long supported decentralized technologies. He’s a known Bitcoin advocate and the original founder of Bluesky, a decentralized social network. Though he no longer runs Bluesky, Dorsey still works on tools that reduce centralized control.
The beta version of the Bitchat app launched through Apple’s TestFlight. Interest was immediate. It hit the 10,000-user testing limit quickly. The app is now awaiting approval before a wider release.
Dorsey’s move reflects a bigger trend. People want communication tools that are independent, private, and resilient. Centralized apps often fail during crises or become targets for surveillance. Tools like Bitchat offer a fresh alternative.
If successful, Bitchat could change how people connect—especially in times of urgency or limited access. It supports a vision of digital freedom, letting users talk securely and peer-to-peer, even when the internet is down.
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