Key Takeaways:
- Bitcoin-style security: XChat uses cryptographic principles similar to Bitcoin’s architecture for enhanced privacy.
- Full-featured messaging: Supports encrypted audio/video calls, file sharing, and vanishing messages.
- Exclusive beta access: Initially rolling out to X Premium subscribers before wider release.
- Part of Musk’s “X-everything” vision: Follows encrypted direct messages (DMs) and precedes X Money payments launch.
X Doubles Down on Privacy With Crypto-Grade Encryption
X (formerly Twitter) is capitalizing on private messaging with XChat, a new feature offering video calling, self-destructing messages, and whatever is referred to as Bitcoin-style encryption. XChat is currently in beta testing for Premium users (subscription). The Rust-based social media platform in development with XChat is part of Elon Musk’s “everything app” vision for X as a super app similar to WeChat.
The week before the announcement of XChat, X had placed a pause on its existing encrypted direct messages (DMs) to upgrade them, suggesting that XChat was on the way. Though Musk referred to the encryption as “Bitcoin-style”, Bitcoin developers preferred to clarify that Bitcoin does not actually encrypt data, but it does use elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) for digital signatures.
Elon posted on X:
How XChat’s Security Stacks Up
1. Encryption Model
- Likely employs Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) and Secure Hash Algorithm 256 (SHA-256) -like Bitcoin- for key generation and data integrity.
- Messages may use Signal Protocol’s end-to-end encryption (E2EE), similar to WhatsApp and Telegram.
2. Key Features
- Vanishing messages: Disappear after a set time.
- File sharing: Supports documents, images, and videos.
- Passcode protection: Optional 4-digit lock for added security.
If implemented correctly, this could rival Signal’s privacy. But, for some, the ‘Bitcoin-style’ is more marketing than tech.
Why Crypto Users Should Care
- Privacy Focus: XChat could become a go-to option for over-the-counter (OTC) traders and crypto journalists seeking secure communication.
- Future X Money Integration: Musk’s upcoming payments system may leverage XChat for crypto transactions.
- Decentralization Potential: If open-sourced, it could follow Signal’s transparency model.
Mixed Reactions From Crypto Community
- Samson Mow (Jan3 CEO): “Bitcoin isn’t encrypted—it’s secured by math.”
- Luke Dashjr (Bitcoin Core Dev): Criticized Rust’s use, calling it “a security risk.”
- Other voices: Suggested Musk might mean BIP-151, which encrypts node communications with a cryptographic standard known as “ChaCha20/Poly1305@openssh.”
A New Era for Private Messaging?
The launch of XChat represents Musk’s desire to “out Telegram”, while also establishing a pathway for X Money. If all goes well, it has the potential to catalyze mainstream adoption of encryption, similar to how Bitcoin legitimized decentralized finance.
From our lens, will the encryption hold up under scrutiny, or is “Bitcoin-style” just another new form of buzzword bingo? As beta testing begins, crypto users are no doubt paying close attention.
For more on messaging apps features, read our article on: Telegram’s Collectible Economy Surpasses $40M+, Reviving the NFT Market?
