Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey is launching a new messaging app called bitchat that doesn’t need the internet to work. Instead of relying on servers or cell towers, it uses Bluetooth to send messages directly between nearby devices, creating a mesh network. The app lets you talk to people around you, even if you’re offline or in a place where networks are down or blocked. It’s currently in beta.

The app focuses heavily on privacy. There are no accounts, no phone numbers, and no central servers holding your data. Messages are encrypted, and the app supports “timing obfuscation and dummy messages” for better privacy. With features like group chats protected by passwords, offline message forwarding, and emergency data wipes, it’s clear that bitchat is aimed at people who care about staying connected without giving up control. It won’t replace WhatsApp or Signal, but it could serve as a backup plan if those stop working.