Musk’s XChat Raises the Bar for Privacy with Bitcoin-Like Encryption

Elon Musk has officially launched XChat, a new messaging feature integrated into his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), marking a significant step toward his vision of creating an all-in-one “everything app.” Designed to rival traditional messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal, XChat comes equipped with several privacy-focused features including end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, cross-platform voice and video calls, and support for all file types. Notably, Musk referred to its security framework as “Bitcoin-style encryption,” a phrase that has sparked considerable debate within the cryptocurrency and tech communities.

The term “Bitcoin-style encryption” has raised eyebrows, particularly because Bitcoin doesn’t use encryption for its core transactions. Instead, it relies on cryptographic technologies like public-private key cryptography and hash functions to secure the network and authenticate users. Some experts suggest Musk might be referencing encryption proposals used in Bitcoin’s peer-to-peer communication protocols, such as BIP-151, which aim to secure node-to-node messaging. XChat, built using the Rust programming language, appears to emphasize security and performance, but the specifics of its cryptographic implementation remain unclear.

Currently, XChat is being rolled out to premium subscribers, with broader access expected soon. Its launch aligns with Musk’s long-term strategy to transform X into a versatile digital platform combining social media, messaging, payments, and more—mirroring the multi-functional capabilities of apps like China’s WeChat. As privacy concerns continue to dominate global conversations around digital communication, Musk’s introduction of XChat positions him directly in the heart of the crypto and privacy tech debates. While some hail it as a promising innovation, others remain skeptical, questioning both the marketing language and the underlying technology. Regardless, XChat is poised to reshape how encrypted messaging is perceived in the era of decentralized digital communication.