Jack Dorsey launches Bitchat, a messaging app that works without internet, servers, or accounts

What just happened? Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Block and co-founder of Twitter, has introduced a new messaging application that breaks away from the conventions of mainstream communication platforms. Over a single weekend, Dorsey developed Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging tool that functions entirely over Bluetooth mesh networks, eliminating the need for internet access, central servers, or even user accounts.

The app, now available in beta for Apple's TestFlight users, was announced by Dorsey on Sunday. He described the project as a personal experiment with mesh networking, encryption, and decentralized message delivery. Unlike traditional messaging services that rely on centralized infrastructure and require personal information, Bitchat operates without phone numbers, emails, or any form of user identification.

Bitchat's technology allows nearby devices to form clusters via Bluetooth. Messages are relayed from device to device, enabling communication beyond the standard Bluetooth range. This mesh network can be expanded by "bridge ...