Elon Musk has introduced a novel replace to X, the social media platform previously referred to as Twitter. A brand new characteristic, referred to as XChat, is now rolling out, providing non-public messaging secured by what Musk calls “Bitcoin-style encryption.”
He said:
“All new XChat is rolling out with encryption, vanishing messages and the power to ship any sort of file. Additionally, audio/video calling.”
XChat replaces the platform’s customary direct messaging with a extra superior system. It helps end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and sending numerous file sorts.
On the similar time, customers can provoke voice and video calls with out linking a telephone quantity. This is able to be designed to work throughout units and working methods.
Musk described XChat as an entire rebuild, developed utilizing the Rust programming language. He emphasised that the encryption mannequin borrows from ideas utilized in Bitcoin’s structure, although he didn’t provide technical particulars.
The transfer displays Musk’s ambition to rework X right into a multi-purpose platform that mixes social networking, communications, and monetary companies.
Final month, Musk confirmed that X would quickly roll out a funds service in beta mode. He stated:
“This shall be a really restricted entry beta at first. When folks’s saving are concerned, excessive care have to be taken.”
This builds on X CEO Linda Yaccarino’s earlier assertion that X Cash, a digital pockets service, is anticipated later this yr. The platform is partnering with Visa, permitting customers to attach debit playing cards, ship funds, and conduct peer-to-peer funds immediately inside the app.
Crypto neighborhood break up over ‘Bitcoin-Type’ encryption
Musk’s reference to “Bitcoin-style encryption” has stirred debate within the crypto area, with some builders arguing that the phrase is deceptive.
Bitcoin Core developer Luke Dashjr pushed again, stating that Bitcoin itself doesn’t use encryption and criticized the selection of Rust for security-critical parts. He famous:
“Bitcoin doesn’t even use encryption.. Additionally Rust is woke.”
However, BitMEX Analysis recommended Musk could also be referencing BIP-151, a proposal to encrypt knowledge exchanged between Bitcoin nodes.
In the meantime, Wei Dai of 1kx speculated that the reference might relate to Bitcoin’s peer-to-peer communication design. He stated:
“‘Bitcoin model’ ~= ‘Peer-to-peer’ ~= ‘end-to-end.’ So ‘Bitcoin model encryption’ means ‘end-to-end encryption.’”
Different consultants pointed to Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), a mathematical technique utilized in Bitcoin to generate and handle non-public keys, as a potential rationalization.
Regardless of the blended reactions, XChat is now obtainable in beta to some premium subscribers and is extensively seen as a direct problem to privacy-focused apps like WhatsApp and Sign.
If profitable, XChat might mark a major step ahead in Musk’s imaginative and prescient of a safe, all-in-one communication and finance hub.
