In an era dominated by centralized communication platforms, a new player is emerging with a decidedly retro approach. Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter (now X), is currently beta testing BitChat, a messaging application that aims to bypass the internet entirely, operating solely on Bluetooth connections.
The core concept is straightforward: eliminate reliance on servers and internet infrastructure to enhance privacy and ensure communication remains possible even when traditional networks are unavailable or restricted. Dorsey claims this architecture promotes “digital freedom” and “freedom of speech,” storing message history exclusively on the user`s device rather than on centralized servers.
BitChat`s “spirit,” according to its creator, harks back to the early days of the internet, reminiscent of the IRC (Internet Relay Chat) protocol from the 1990s and the classic ICQ messenger. The idea of localized, offline communication isn`t entirely novel; platforms like Bridgefy gained attention in 2019 for their use during protests in Hong Kong to circumvent connectivity blocks. BitChat differentiates itself, however, by reportedly introducing features like group chats to this type of peer-to-peer network.
But does a Bluetooth-based messenger have a viable future in a world of ubiquitous Wi-Fi and cellular data? Experts offer a mix of perspectives.
From a technical standpoint, this isn`t groundbreaking technology. Many similar messengers operating on such protocols have existed before. The key difference here seems to be a more developed logic for how the network expands with active users. When it`s not just two people messaging via Bluetooth, the more users there are, the further the message transmission area can extend. They can form a network and expand the reach. In a city with tens of thousands of users over 10 kilometers, they could potentially all communicate internally.
However, using such a messenger for everyday life, as an alternative to WhatsApp or Telegram, is difficult to envision. It appears to have a very narrow, specific use case: communicating in a way that absolutely nothing goes online. You could imagine scenarios like mass events, concerts, or festivals, but I honestly doubt such events would broadly adopt these technologies, primarily due to the distribution challenge – everyone would need to have the app installed. It`s hard to imagine mass adoption for general use.
Khakhunov`s point about niche applications ties directly into the “digital freedom” narrative, suggesting BitChat`s true utility might lie in situations where censorship or surveillance is a concern – perhaps an unintended echo of its potential use in organized dissent, as seen with Bridgefy.
Another expert views the project through a more skeptical lens, suggesting a primary motivation beyond pure technological innovation.
In this case, the specific goal for the person behind it is clearly to attract funding. But, on the other hand, there is undoubtedly a problem with communication privacy. Hypothetically, within a building, you could communicate using Bluetooth instead of the internet, for example, if you are restricted to using only approved applications and lack internet access. Yet, most messengers are controlled, and if you want to bypass this control, you need some trickery. This is where a messenger like this could fit in – when you communicate via Bluetooth. While Bluetooth isn`t typically jammed, it can be, and it`s not commonly used for messaging. When powerful jammers are active, Bluetooth also gets cut off.
People have noticed this; for instance, near a sensitive facility, your Bluetooth headphones might start acting up. Therefore, claims about a 300-meter transmission range are quite peculiar; it typically cannot transmit that far reliably. In conclusion, such a messenger might be applicable in situations where you cannot use publicly available internet, even though both internet and Bluetooth communications are usually encrypted. I cannot say that Bluetooth is safer than standard, common protocols, because the Bluetooth standard has numerous vulnerabilities that could allow malicious actors to gain additional information. Ultimately, it`s purely a warming-up of investors to attract additional funds. Most likely, he is now entering a Series A funding round, which is why he`s promoting it so aggressively, talking about how great his messenger is, how far it works, and everything else.
Gorelkin`s assessment highlights practical limitations, particularly concerning the ambitious range claim of over 300 meters for Bluetooth, which is generally effective over much shorter distances in real-world conditions, especially indoors or with interference. He also raises concerns about Bluetooth`s inherent security vulnerabilities compared to more robust internet protocols.
Currently, BitChat is reportedly being tested by 10,000 users. Since stepping away from Twitter, Jack Dorsey has also been involved in launching Bluesky, a decentralized social networking service that has attracted 36 million users over six years. His track record suggests an interest in exploring alternative, less centralized digital spaces.
BitChat, in its current form, appears less likely to replace mainstream messengers and more likely to serve niche purposes where privacy, offline capability, or resistance to censorship are paramount. Whether its technical capabilities can live up to the promises, especially the ambitious range, and whether it`s primarily a marketing play or a genuine attempt to create a tool for digital autonomy, remains to be seen.
