Jack Dorsey says his ‘secure’ new Bitchat app has not been tested for security
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Dorsey Launches Bitchat, Bluetooth Messaging App
Above: Jack Dorsey, the founder and former CEO of Twitter Inc., now X, at a Bitcoin 2021 conference in Miami, Florida. Image copyright: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Techno-optimist narrative
Bitchat is a game-changer because it offers genuine privacy through encrypted, peer-to-peer communication to protect against censorship. Its connection via device relays will actually allow access to people in dangerous environments, whether it be a remote region or a protest. In a world craving digital freedom, Bitchat's simplicity and privacy focus make it a vital step toward resilient, off-grid communication.
Techno-skeptic narrative
While Dorsey promises complete privacy, Bitchat's niche appeal and untested security raise red flags. With no formal audits and known Bluetooth vulnerabilities, it's a hacker's playground. Its limited reach also ensures minimal adoption, risking quick obsolescence. Like pre-2008 markets, its decentralized hype masks real risks, and without robust safeguards, Bitchat's privacy claims are shaky.
Metaculus Prediction
Limited Coverage
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