Elon Musk’s X platform has started rolling out XChat, a messaging and calling service that’s positioned as a major step toward transforming X into what Musk often calls an “everything app.” Announced by Musk himself, the feature promises end-to-end encrypted messages, vanishing messages, file sharing, and audio/video calls—all without needing a phone number. But one particular detail caught everyone’s attention: the mention of “Bitcoin-style encryption.”
That phrase, though catchy, has raised more questions than it answers. Experts in the field are now trying to unpack exactly what that means, and whether it truly lives up to its promise of security.
XChat: A New Chapter for X’s Messaging
The launch of XChat marks a big shift in how direct messaging works on X. Previously, encryption on the platform was limited, and mostly available to paid subscribers—even then, development on that system had reportedly stalled. XChat, by contrast, seems to be a total rebuild. It’s designed to compete directly with heavyweights like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram.
Some of the key features XChat is offering include:
- End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): This ensures that only the sender and recipient can view messages, a foundational element for secure messaging.
- Vanishing Messages: Messages that disappear after a set time, which is now standard in most privacy-focused apps.
- File Sharing: Unlike X’s previous limitations, users can now send all kinds of files, not just images or videos.
- Audio and Video Calls: A big convenience feature, especially since no phone number is required.
- Passcode Protection: Early reports mention a four-digit passcode option for added privacy.
For now, XChat is in beta, and only available to select X Premium users. Screenshots from app researchers suggest the interface supports secure group chats and vanishing messages, bringing it closer to the full feature set seen in other popular encrypted messengers.
The “Bitcoin-Style” Encryption Puzzle
Here’s where things get murky. Musk described XChat’s encryption as being “built on Rust with (Bitcoin-style) encryption.” To the average user, that might sound high-tech and reassuring. But for those familiar with how encryption works, it introduces a lot of ambiguity.
Bitcoin, fundamentally, doesn’t use encryption in the way messaging apps do. It’s based on cryptographic hashing and digital signatures to ensure security and verify transactions—but it doesn’t actually encrypt data to hide it. In fact, Bitcoin’s whole ethos leans heavily into transparency: all transactions are permanently public.
Experts were quick to weigh in:
- Luke Dashjr, a Bitcoin Core developer, plainly stated, “Bitcoin doesn’t even use encryption.”
- Ian Miers, a cryptographer, explained that Bitcoin mostly relies on signatures for verification, not encryption for secrecy. He likened Musk’s phrasing to saying, “we decided to drive our rocket on water, since NASA uses Hydrogen and Oxygen”—which, if nothing else, illustrates just how technically mismatched the analogy might be.
So, what might Musk have meant? Some speculate he was referring to technologies like elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), used in both Bitcoin and secure messaging, or perhaps peer-to-peer networking elements. But the lack of concrete technical detail leaves room for a lot of interpretation—and skepticism.
If XChat’s encryption is going to earn the trust of privacy-conscious users, that ambiguity needs to be resolved. Without a clear, auditable description of the encryption protocol, “Bitcoin-style encryption” starts to feel more like a marketing phrase than a security guarantee.
Beyond the Buzzwords: Trust and Audits
At the heart of the issue is trust. It’s easy to promise encryption. Proving it is another matter. Trusted messaging platforms like Signal have earned their reputation partly because their code is open-source and has undergone multiple independent audits. That’s the kind of transparency that builds confidence.
XChat, as it stands, doesn’t yet offer that. Users are being asked to take the platform’s word for it—a tough ask, especially considering X’s shifting privacy policies over time. Notably, the platform has clauses allowing it to collect various kinds of data, including for training AI models. Musk has said private messages won’t be used in this way, but the platform’s broader data practices still give some users pause.
It’s also worth noting the broader context: X isn’t just trying to be a better messenger. It’s aiming to be a WeChat-style super app—a single place for media, payments, communication, and more. XChat is just one piece of that puzzle, but it’s a foundational one. If users don’t feel secure using it, adoption could become an uphill battle.
The Road Ahead for XChat
So where does that leave things? As XChat becomes available to more users, a few key factors will likely determine its success:
- User Adoption: Will people actually leave WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram for XChat? That remains to be seen.
- Technical Performance: Features like calling and file sharing need to work flawlessly. Any lag or unreliability could drive users away quickly.
- Security Transparency: Detailed, third-party reviews or audits of its encryption system could go a long way toward easing concerns.
- Competition: XChat is entering a crowded space with several well-entrenched players.
Musk’s unveiling of XChat clearly marks a big moment for the X platform. It extends the service’s capabilities and brings it one step closer to being an all-in-one app. But when it comes to security, especially the promises around encryption, users and experts alike are still waiting for more substance. Until the technical details are out in the open and independently vetted, XChat’s claims will likely remain under the microscope.
