Elon Musk has announced that X’s upcoming direct messaging feature, XChat, will utilize “bitcoin-style encryption,” signaling a significant shift in social media privacy and security. This development aims to enhance user privacy by integrating advanced cryptographic techniques into the platform’s messaging services.
XChat is described as a feature-rich upgrade over the existing direct messaging system, including audio and video calls, vanishing messages, and the ability to send various file types. Musk highlighted that the architecture of XChat is built on the Rust programming language, which he claims offers “bitcoin style” encryption and a “whole new architecture.”
The rollout of XChat is currently targeted at paid subscribers, with initial protections like a four-digit passcode. This indicates X’s focus on providing secure communication options amid rising privacy concerns in social media. Musk also mentioned that the feature was temporarily paused to improve its encrypted messaging capabilities, possibly related to ongoing enhancements.
In addition to encryption, Musk revealed plans for a new payments feature called X Money, which is in testing and expected to launch in beta later this year. He emphasized the importance of cautious development when handling users’ savings, highlighting the platform’s ambitions to compete with fintech giants like Venmo and Cash App.
The technical debate around XChat’s encryption drew quick reactions from Bitcoiners and crypto experts. Notably, Samson Mow pointed out that “bitcoin isn’t encrypted,” while Luke Dashjr clarified that “bitcoin doesn’t even use encryption,” stressing the distinction between blockchain security mechanisms and traditional encryption methods.
bitcoin’s cryptography relies on elliptic curve cryptography, which mathematically ensures ownership proof without revealing private keys—an approach different from conventional message encryption. bitcoin also employs SHA-256 hashing for transaction validation and block creation, reinforcing its decentralized security model.
Some speculate Musk might be referring to BIP-151 peer-to-peer encryption, a proposal designed for encrypted bitcoin node communication, although details remain unclear. The adoption of Rust raises security discussions within the crypto community due to its reputation for safe memory management but also potential vulnerabilities if not implemented properly.
The integration of bitcoin-inspired encryption features aligns with Musk’s vision of transforming X into an “everything app,” blending social media, messaging, and financial services seamlessly. This strategy aims to position X as a formidable competitor against established encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal.
With plans for features like X Money and enhanced privacy tools, Elon Musk’s developments could reshape how social media platforms handle user data and financial transactions within the crypto ecosystem. As these features roll out, they will be closely watched by investors and industry analysts alike for their potential impact on market dynamics and user adoption.
