Jack Dorsey has launched a beta version of Bitchat, a revolutionary offline messaging app that operates entirely without an internet connection. This app uses a decentralized peer-to-peer messaging system over a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh network, acting without the need for servers or centralized infrastructure, making it censorship-resistant. Bitchat allows users to send messages directly between devices within a range of approximately 30-100 meters. Messages can hop between devices, and can be cached for delivery when connection is re-established. Key features include end-to-end encryption, random session identifiers for privacy, and a store-and-forward system to manage message delivery. Although still in beta, Bitchat demonstrates significant potential for use in disaster coordination, large events where cell networks are overloaded, and in areas affected by internet censorship. The app could represent a shift towards more autonomy in communication, with implications for privacy and user control in digital interactions.

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