New Delhi: Jack Dorsey, the co-founder and former CEO of Twitter, is back in the news with his latest project. This past weekend, instead of relaxing like most people, Dorsey decided to create something new. He introduced the world to Bitchat, a messaging app that uses Bluetooth instead of the internet. This means users can message each other even if there’s no internet available.
Dorsey spent his weekend learning about Bluetooth mesh networks and message encryption. He shared the details of his project in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that he had co-founded. Dorsey wrote, “My weekend project: to learn about Bluetooth mesh networks, relays, and store and forward models, message encryption models, and a few other things.” Not only did he share the app, but he also published a detailed whitepaper on GitHub and uploaded a test version on Apple’s Testflight platform. Not bad for a weekend’s worth of work.
and here’s an ugly whitepaper describing protocol: https://t.co/AhJ1y0jJdP
— jack (@jack) July 6, 2025
What are mesh networks?
Bluetooth mesh networks are systems where multiple devices can talk to each other directly, without needing the internet. Each device acts as a relay point, sending messages forward until they reach the right recipient. Think of it like passing notes in class, only digital. Bitchat uses this technology to help messages travel between phones without any traditional network connection.
Bulletin board service vibes in 2025
One interesting detail about Bitchat is its design, which reminds many of old-school Bulletin Board Services (BBS). BBS was popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s before the modern internet came into our homes. People would dial into a server through telephone lines and could then exchange messages or files with others. Bitchat’s green font style is similar to these vintage systems, giving it a nostalgic feel.
IRC style commands are back
Bitchat also brings back IRC-style commands. Internet Relay Chat, or IRC, was popular in the early days of the internet. Users typed commands like “/join” to enter chat rooms or “/msg” to privately message someone. Dorsey included these familiar commands, making the app intuitive for anyone who remembers those early internet days.
What features does Bitchat offer?
Bitchat comes packed with useful features. It uses end-to-end encryption to keep messages private, using technologies like AES-256-GCM. It also allows channel-based chats, which means people can discuss specific topics in groups, even adding passwords if they wish. If someone goes offline, Bitchat stores their messages and delivers them once they reconnect.
Privacy is a big focus for the app. Bitchat doesn’t require users to register with a phone number or email. It avoids persistent identifiers entirely. There’s even an emergency wipe function, activated by triple-tapping, that deletes all data instantly.
Some of the main features include:
- Automatic peer discovery
- Multi-hop messaging over Bluetooth LE
- Message caching for offline friends
- Optional message retention
- Native support for iOS and macOS
Dorsey acknowledged on X that Bitchat is still a work in progress. After people pointed out missing features, he responded, “Yes, will work on these. Started small.” It’s clear the app will continue improving.