Chat via Bluetooth — No Wi-Fi or Mobile Network Needed

Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter and Block, has launched a new messaging app called Bitchat. The app is now live on the iOS App Store and allows users to chat without needing mobile data or Wi-Fi. It works using Bluetooth mesh networking, letting users exchange messages within roughly 100 meters.

Dorsey revealed that he built the core of Bitchat in a weekend. The app’s minimalist design removes the need for account creation or phone numbers. Users simply set a display name and can start chatting with others nearby.

Why Bluetooth Messaging Apps Matter?

While Bitchat has drawn attention due to Dorsey’s name, Bluetooth-based messaging isn’t new. Apps like Bridgefy gained popularity during protests and disaster situations, where traditional networks often fail. Such tools are also used at festivals or remote areas with poor coverage.

These apps create peer-to-peer networks that are hard to censor or track, making them attractive for privacy-conscious users and people in restricted areas.

No Login, Just Local Messages

On launching the app, users see a simple chat window and can broadcast messages to those nearby. There’s no centralized server, making it harder for messages to be intercepted by third parties.

However, this also creates potential problems. Since there’s no authentication, anyone can impersonate any name, leading to security concerns.

Security Flaws Under the Spotlight

Shortly after its release, security expert Alex Radocea raised red flags about the app’s vulnerability. He noted that without proper verification protocols, the app is open to impersonation and spoofing.

“In cryptography, details matter,” Radocea wrote. He added that while the app has the right intention, it lacks the technical rigor needed for true security.

Dorsey later confirmed that Bitchat hasn’t gone through an external security audit, and vulnerabilities may exist. The project is still in early stages and is evolving through community feedback.

Android Users Face Fake App Warnings

Bitchat is not officially available on the Google Play Store yet. Instead, Android users can download it from GitHub. But several lookalike apps have surfaced on the Play Store, tricking users into downloading fake versions.

Dorsey has not issued an official statement but reposted a warning on X advising users to avoid these fakes.

What’s Next for Bitchat?

Bitchat is still in beta and continues to gain traction due to its offline-first approach and open-source ethos. Whether it evolves into a secure communication platform or remains an experimental project, it’s already sparking conversations around decentralized messaging in a connected world.