Jack Dorsey launches BitChat app, which offers messaging via Bluetooth without the internet. This app works without a number or email, and is completely anonymous and secure.
BitChat: In today's world, it is difficult to imagine life without the internet, but what if you didn't need the internet to send messages? Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has done just such a unique experiment. He has launched a brand new messaging app, 'BitChat,' which works without the internet. This app is designed especially for areas where there is no network or where internet connectivity is weak.
What is BitChat?
BitChat is a peer-to-peer (P2P) technology-based messaging platform. Its biggest feature is that it does not rely on the internet, Wi-Fi, or mobile data. This app creates a network by connecting with nearby devices via Bluetooth, which is called Mesh Networking. Jack Dorsey launched it as a 'weekend project,' but its utility and innovation could make it a major need of the future.
How does it work?
BitChat does not require an internet connection to send and receive any message. When a user sends a message and the recipient is far away, the message 'hops' from one device to another through the devices around it until it reaches the final user. For example, if you are A and your friend is D, who is 90 meters away from you, but there are two other devices, B and C, between you, then the message will proceed in the order A → B → C → D.
Anonymity and Privacy: No Number, No Email
Another major feature of BitChat is its anonymity. To use this app, you do not need a mobile number or an email ID. Users can chat directly without any personal information. This feature is especially beneficial for those who want to protect their identity. In addition, BitChat also provides End-to-End Encryption, so that messages are limited only to the sender and receiver. No third party and not even the app itself can see them.
Key Features of BitChat
- Internet-free Messaging: This app works only with Bluetooth without mobile data or Wi-Fi.
- Bluetooth Mesh Networking: Devices can connect to each other up to a distance of approximately 30 meters.
- Chatting without an Account: No login process, no number, no email - completely anonymous.
- Secure Messaging: Messages are end-to-end encrypted and automatically deleted after some time.
Where and How to Use
Currently, BitChat is available in beta version only for iOS users via TestFlight. As soon as it launched, the limit of 10,000 users was immediately filled, which shows its popularity. Jack Dorsey himself shared the whitepaper and beta invite link on X (formerly Twitter). Work on the Android version is currently in progress and its public launch is expected soon.
Will it challenge WhatsApp?
Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal already exist in the market, but they all depend on the internet. BitChat is completely different in this respect because it provides internet-free communication. Although it has limitations for long-distance chatting, in special circumstances – such as natural disasters, war zones, remote locations, etc. – this app can prove to be very useful.
A Boon for Countries Like India?
Internet facilities are still limited in many rural and remote areas of India. Apps like BitChat can prove to be a boon for local communication in these areas. This technology can be very effective in needs such as schools, disaster management, and local networking.
