Elon Musk’s latest announcement about X, the platform formerly known a♕s Twitter, has stꦺirred significant interest in the tech and cybersecurity communities with the introduction of a revamped messaging feature dubbed XChat.

Unveiled on June 1, 2025, through a post on X by Musk himself, this new direc♍t messaging system promises a host of privacy-oriented features, including what Musk has termed “Bitcoin-style” encryption, alongside vanishing messages, file-sharing capabilities, and audio/video calling.

According to Musk’s post on X, XChat is built on a “whole new architecture” using Rust, a programming language known for its performance and security benefits. The mention of “Bitcoin-style” encryption, however, has raised eyebrows and questions about what this actually entails, as Bitcoin itself does not inherently use encryption for its transa♐cti💙ons but rather relies on cryptographic hashing and digital signatures for security.

Decoding the Encryption Claim

The term “Bitcoin-style” encryption remains ambiguous, as Musk did not elaborate on the specifics of the technology in his announcement. Industry observers are speculating whether this refers to a form of cryptographicꦰ security inspired by blocꦉkchain principles, such as public-private key pairs or decentralized verification methods. Mashable reported that XChat aims to position itself closer to privacy-focused apps like WhatsApp or Signal, suggesting that the encryption could be an attempt to offer end-to-end security, though the exact mechanism remains unclear.

This lack of clarity has led to mixed reactions. While some users and tech enthusiasts are excited about enhanced privacy on a platform known for p﷽ublic discourse, others in the cybersecurity field are cautious, awaiting detailed technical whitepapers or independent audits to verify the strength of this encryption. Musk’s track record of ambitious claims adds a layer of skepticism, as the industry waits to see if XChat’s security will live up to the hype.

A Broader Vision for X

Beyond encryption, XChat is part of Musk’s broader vision to transform X into an “everything app,” akin to China’s WeChat, where messaging, payments, and other services are seamlessly integrated. The inclusion of audio and video calling without the need for a phone number, as highlighted in🅰 Musk’s X post, underscores this ambition to make X a central hub for communication across platforms l෴ike iOS, Android, Mac, and PC.

This move also signals a shift for X, which has historically been a space for public expression rather🦹 than private interaction. By enhancing direct messaging with features like vanishing messages and versatile file sharing, as noted by Mashable, X 🔯is clearly targeting users who prioritize privacy and functionality in their digital communications.

Challenges and Expectations

As XChat rolls out, initially to paid subscribers as a beta feature, the platform faces the challenge of scaling this new system while ensuring robust security. Musk mentioned in his X post that chat history will be upgraded to XChat and encrypted once scaling issues are resolv🍌ed, indicating that the rollout is still in its early stages.

The tech community will be watching closely to see how X balances innovation with transparency. If XChat delivers on its promise of strong encryption and user-friendly features, it could redefine secure messaging on social platforms. For now, the industry awaits further details to fully understand what “Bitcoin-style” encryption truly means in the context of X🌺’s evolving ecosystem.