Jack Dorsey launches a WhatsApp messaging rival built on Bluetooth

## Jack Dorsey Launches Bitchat: A Decentralized Messaging App

Jack Dorsey, the former Twitter CEO, has just released Bitchat, a new messaging app that’s all about privacy and decentralization. Built over the weekend, this app aims to provide communication that’s resistant to censorship and works even without the internet. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Decentralized and Peer-to-Peer: Bitchat uses Bluetooth mesh networks, meaning messages are passed directly between devices without relying on central servers, the internet, phone numbers, or emails.
• Ephemeral and Encrypted: Messages are encrypted and designed to disappear by default, offering a high level of privacy.
• Bluetooth Mesh Technology: The app uses Bluetooth to create local clusters of devices, allowing messages to hop from phone to phone, extending the range beyond standard Bluetooth limits.
• Censorship-Resistant: Designed to work even when the internet is blocked, similar to apps used during the Hong Kong protests.
• Features: Supports group chats (“rooms”) with hashtags and passwords, and includes store-and-forward functionality for offline users.
• Future Plans: Dorsey plans to add WiFi Direct to increase speed and range.
• No Data Collection: Unlike mainstream messaging apps, Bitchat doesn’t collect user data or require accounts.

For more details, you can check out the full white paper on [GitHub](insert GitHub link here).