Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla, SpaceX and X, has announced a new messaging app called XChat. He claims this project will change digital privacy and communication forever.
The app, which is expected to launch in the coming months, will use peer-to-peer encryption “similar to Bitcoin” to ensure the privacy of conversations and be free from advertising data collection.
The announcement was made during Musk’s recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, where he explained that his team had “rebuilt our entire messaging stack from the ground up.”
“We use a kind of peer-to-peer based encryption system.” Mr. Musk said. “So it’s similar to Bitcoin. I think it’s a very good cryptocurrency.”
Musk has long criticized traditional messaging apps for how they handle user data, but X Chat aims to offer something different. The app reportedly avoids the “ad hooks” that Musk claims make other platforms vulnerable to privacy violations.
“[Messaging apps]know enough about what you’re texting to know which ads to show you. This is a major security vulnerability.” he said.
“If you know enough information to show you an ad, that’s a lot of information.” With this addition, hackers can use the same hook to read your private messages.
Musk explained that this approach is part of his broader philosophy that security should be viewed as a “level of anxiety” rather than a simple on or off switch. His goal is to make X Chat the “least secure” messaging app on the market.
X Chat will likely be a direct competitor to encrypted messaging giants like WhatsApp and Telegram, but Musk insists it will differentiate itself through strict privacy standards.
WhatsApp’s parent company Meta says messages on its platform are end-to-end encrypted using Signal Protocol, which protects messages, voice memos and media from unauthorized access.
But experts often point out that WhatsApp still collects unencrypted metadata – information about who users chat with and how often.
Chat history backups also remain unprotected unless users manually turn on encryption. Musk argues that removing the advertising infrastructure from X Chat’s design would completely eliminate many of these vulnerabilities.
A beta version of X Chat is already available to X premium users. It currently supports text messaging, file sharing, photos, GIFs, and media attachments, all linked to an X handle rather than a phone number. Voice and video calling features are planned for full release.
Once fully launched, users will be able to choose between using X Chat as part of the main X platform or downloading it as a standalone app. Musk said both versions will allow you to send text messages, share files, and make voice and video calls, promising a seamless and secure experience across devices.
Interestingly, some analysts believe that X Chat could also impact the digital payments space. The app’s cryptographic model appears to be closely aligned with the ideals of decentralization and data sovereignty that underpin blockchain technology.
In particular, X Chat could play a role in supporting Bitcoin-based payroll systems, platforms that allow employees to receive payments in Bitcoin or stablecoins.
As more companies adopt blockchain-based payroll tools, secure communication channels will become essential to discuss financial transactions.
Despite the excitement, not everyone is convinced. Some privacy advocates and technology experts have raised questions about how transparent X Chat will be about its encryption technology.
Musk has described the system as “Bitcoin-style,” but he has not yet released detailed documentation or announced whether it will undergo an independent security audit.
What Musk is likely referring to is the use of public-key cryptography, the encryption currently behind Bitcoin and Nostra.
Critics argue that open source validation is essential for messaging apps to gain serious credibility in the privacy space. Others say users may be hesitant to fully trust Musk’s apps, as his platforms sometimes face increased scrutiny over data policies and content moderation.