Social media platform X(Twitter), owned by Elon Musk, announced on June 1 that it is introducing a new messaging feature called XChats.
The service will include audio and video calling, encrypted conversations, disappearing messages, and support for sending any file type.
Musk says XChats will offer “Bitcoin-style encryption” and is built using the Rust programming language.
Enhanced Messaging Features
XChats aims to be a richer direct messaging experience, combining several popular tools into one. Users will be able to start voice or video calls directly within XChats.
Conversations will offer end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can read messages. A vanishing message option will let people send text or media that disappears after a set time. In addition, XChats will allow file transfers of all kinds, from images to documents.
Rust Architecture and Encryption Details
According to Musk, XChat’s architecture is built on Rust, chosen for its performance and safety features. He emphasised that the encryption scheme resembles the way Bitcoin secures transactions.
While Musk did not specify exactly what “Bitcoin style encryption” entails, many in the crypto community speculate he may be referring to peer-to-peer encryption methods similar to Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 151, which encrypts node-to-node communication.
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In general, Bitcoin uses elliptic curve cryptography based on a private key and a public key. The math allows users to prove they own their Bitcoin without showing the private key itself.
By drawing on this method, XChats could offer a similar level of security to protect user messages.
Temporary Pause and Improvements
Before this launch, X had paused its encrypted messaging feature on May 29. The company said it needed time to work on improvements, likely tied to integrating XChats.
That pause left users waiting for a more polished version of encrypted messaging. Now that XChats is available, the platform hopes to regain trust from users concerned about privacy and security.
Community Reaction and Crypto Connection
Despite Musk’s confidence, the announcement has met with muted enthusiasm. Many Bitcoin and technology enthusiasts have not shown much excitement for XChats.
Some feel the term “Bitcoin style” is more of a marketing tactic than a technical breakthrough. Even so, the move signals interest from a major player in the crypto space to introduce blockchain-related ideas into mainstream tech.
This could be good news for cryptocurrency projects, as it encourages more people to learn about Bitcoin’s security principles. The buzz may lead some users to explore which digital coins to buy next.
Broader Vision for X as an Everything App
XChats fits into Musk’s larger plan to turn X into a privacy-centred “everything app.” By offering encrypted messaging alongside social posts, news, and other services, X aims to become a one-stop platform for communication and content.
Users may not need separate apps for messaging and social media. Instead, they can rely on X for both public posts and encrypted private chats.
XChats marks a significant step toward blending social networking with secure communication. Built on Rust and inspired by Bitcoin’s encryption methods, the new feature could raise the bar for privacy in social apps.