Bluetooth Mesh Networking Technology
Jack Dorsey’s new app, Bitchat Mesh, became available on the Apple App Store on July 29, after a brief test phase that quickly reached its 10 000‑user cap on TestFlight. The app uses Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networking to connect nearby devices within about 30 meters and then relay messages beyond that range.
As people move through town or campus, each device picks up signals and passes them along to the next one until the message reaches its target, all without using Wi‑Fi or cellular service. Developers plan to add Wi‑Fi Direct in coming updates to boost speed and expand range up to 300 meters in ideal conditions.
Security Concerns and Warnings
Security researcher Alex Radocea found ways to spoof user identities on Bitchat, showing that the protocol can let someone pretend to be another person with little effort. Radocea noted that “in cryptography, details matter,” and said the app’s design leaves room for serious flaws.
In response, Dorsey added a disclaimer on Bitchat’s GitHub page that warns users the software has not had an outside security audit and may contain gaps that allow unauthorized access. He tells users not to rely on its security until professionals review the code.
Real‑World Uses and Drawbacks
Bitchat offers password‑protected group channels and a panic mode that instantly wipes all chat data with a triple tap. These features aim to help people in disasters or in places where internet access is cut off, like during protests or severe storms. In Hong Kong’s pro‑democracy movement, similar Bluetooth messengers helped activists share updates when telecom networks were restricted.
But the app cannot link iPhones and Android phones right now. Dorsey says he has submitted a fix to Apple that would let iOS users talk to Android users after the update is approved. Until then, Android users have to install the app manually from GitHub, and they may miss messages sent through the App Store version.
Anonymous Setup and Data Control
Bitchat drops the usual sign‑up steps found in mainstream apps, like email confirmation or phone number checks. When you open the app, it gives you a made‑up display name that you can change at any time without proving who you are. The app holds no personal data or tracking cookies.
It uses what the team calls “digital autonomy” to keep user info off any central server. An emergency wipe feature then lets you erase everything at once if you think your phone is at risk.
Personal Analysis
I think Bitchat shows promise for off‑grid text exchanges and for people in crisis zones. Its mesh network design can keep messages flowing when towers go down or networks get blocked. But the lack of a security audit worries me. If someone can pretend to be you on that network, then the tool could let bad actors spread false alerts or gather data on groups that really need privacy.
The missing iOS‑Android link also slows adoption, since people use mixed devices. Once the team secures the code and fixes cross‑platform work, Bitchat could become a handy backup chat tool when phones lose service.
Sources: techcrunch.com
