Elon Musk has announced the upcoming launch of X Chat, a messaging app designed to offer ad-free, private communication through peer-to-peer encryption that Musk describes as ‘similar to Bitcoin.’
Musk details encryption approach
The announcement was made during Musk’s appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, where he discussed the rebuilt messaging stack and emphasized privacy.
Musk explained the app will use a peer-to-peer-based encryption system:
“It’s using a sort of peer-to-peer-based encryption system. So, it’s kind of similar to Bitcoin. I think, it’s very good encryption.”
Musk criticized traditional messaging apps for collecting user data for advertising, highlighting this as a key security vulnerability.
No advertising hooks, strict privacy design
Unlike most mainstream messaging platforms, X Chat will not include advertising infrastructure, which Musk argues is a major risk for privacy breaches. He stated:
“If it knows enough information to show you ads, that’s a lot of information.”
The app leverages X handles instead of phone numbers, offering a new layer of anonymity.
Additional features include text, file sharing, media attachments, and upcoming audio/video calls.
Bitcoin-style security and payroll potential
X Chat’s peer-to-peer encryption aligns with principles used in Bitcoin’s public key cryptography.
Analysts suggest X Chat could play a role in bitcoin-based payroll systems, providing secure channels for financial communications as more firms explore blockchain payrolls.
Transparency and trust concerns
Despite excitement, privacy advocates note that Musk has yet to release full encryption documentation or commit to independent security audits.
Critics emphasize the importance of open-source verification for privacy tools and point out that trust in the platform may hinge on greater transparency.
