Elon Musk has introduced XChat, a new direct messaging feature on X (formerly Twitter), designed to enhance user privacy and communication. The feature includes end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, audio and video calling, and the ability to send various types of files. Musk described the encryption as “Bitcoin-style,” though specifics about the encryption method were not detailed.
XChat is built on the Rust programming language, indicating a complete architectural overhaul to support these features. Notably, the service does not require users to provide a phone number, enhancing user privacy and accessibility.
The rollout of XChat is currently underway for paid subscribers of X. This development aligns with Musk’s broader vision to transform X into an “everything app,” integrating various services to compete with platforms like WeChat.
While the term “Bitcoin-style encryption” has sparked discussions among experts—some noting that Bitcoin itself doesn’t use traditional encryption—the introduction of XChat marks a significant step in X’s evolution toward offering comprehensive communication tools.
In addition to XChat, Musk has confirmed that X is working on a payments feature called X Money, which is expected to launch in beta later this year. This initiative further underscores Musk’s ambition to expand X’s functionalities beyond social networking.
