Even after leaving his PDG PDG post (formerly Twitter), Jack Dorsey does not take a vacation. This time, the former boss of X presented a new decentralized messaging application, Bitchat, which could transform the field of social media at a time when privacy, security and censorship have become major issues. If this project becomes the general public, centralized messaging applications like WhatsApp and Messenger could see a remarkable peer-to-peer competitor.
In short
- Bitchat uses bluetooth mesh networks for peer-to-peer mail without the internet, mobile networks or central servers.
- The messages are encrypted, ephemeral and related via close devices, which makes it possible to extend the scope and guarantee confidentiality.
- Designed for crisis areas, demonstrations and out-of-network communication, Bitchat works even during electric breakdowns or censorship.
- Inspired by the tools of the Hong Kong events, Bitchat offers an alternative resistant to censorship in the face of consumer messaging applications.
Decentralized messaging via bluetooth mesh networks
The CEO of Block and co-founder of Twitter Jack Dorsey recently launched the Bitchat beta version, a new peer-to-peer social communication application which uses low-consumption bluetooth mesh networks (Ble). According to the white paper, the new messaging protocol is Designed to operate Without the Internet, KYC, nor any form of centralized data storage.
In a recent message on X, Dorsey clarified that the project is a personal experience on “Bluetooth mesh networks, relays and storage and transmission models, message encryption models, and a few other things. »»
Bitchat offers an “ephemeral messaging”, which means that messages are temporarily stored in the memory of the device instead of a central database. They therefore disappear after a defined time or once seen by the recipient. For a higher safety layer, the protocol also offers end -to -end encryption.
When users are within reach of each other, the hosting devices of the application form a peer-to-peer cluster, transmitting the messages by relaying them between nearby devices. To extend the coverage area, some “bridge” devices will connect several meshes.
Popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Meta Messenger require an internet service for online connection. In addition, these applications are centralized, with data stored on the vast network of META data centers worldwide.
Dorsey explained that Bitchat allows secure communication in areas where Internet access is either censored or out of reach. He added that the project represents the “IRC vibes” of textual chat applications from the 1990s.
How Bitchat works
Designed not to need confidence, Bitchat offers end -to -end encryption and censored messaging. In addition, users can create group discussions with the possibility of using passwords.
Here are the fundamental operational principles of Bitchat:
- The apparatuses in the mesh network work both as issuers and receivers, which allows messages to jump between several close devices and exceed the usual limit of 30 meters from Bluetooth.
- The system is independent of the Internet, mobile networks or centralized cloud services.
- Messages remain stored only on the user's device unless they are deliberately relay.
- To operate in the limited bandwidth of Bluetooth, larger messages are divided into smaller segments of 500 bytes.
- Future improvements will be able to include WiFi management to improve data scope and capacity.
Secure offline communication
Bitchat is designed for real utility, especially in limited connectivity areas, such as in disasters or demonstrations. Better still, this technology can be used when communication is not trustworthy, as during conferences or private meetings.
In addition, it does not depend on a heavy infrastructure such as communication towers and data centers. Consequently, communication remains possible even during network failures, major cuts or internet blockages. Basically, Bitchat is based on the same philosophy as the Bluetooth applications used during the Hong Kong demonstrations in 2019.
The launch of Bitchat aims to respond to growing concerns about data confidentiality, IT monitoring by the largest technological companies, and the vulnerability of centralized systems in the face of hacking and government repression. Although the protocol is still in the test phase, its open source white paper is now available on Github, where developers can study or contribute.
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