Elon Musk has announced that X is introducing a new feature called XChat, which is developed on Rust using encryption techniques akin to those found in Bitcoin. He described it as a “whole new architecture.”
On Sunday, Musk shared an exciting preview of XChat, an end-to-end encrypted messaging platform that will feature functionalities such as disappearing messages and the ability to make audio and video calls without requiring a phone number across all devices.
“All new XChat is rolling out with encryption, vanishing messages and the ability to send any kind of file,” he informed his 220 million followers. “Also, audio/video calling.”
All new XChat is rolling out with encryption, vanishing messages and the ability to send any kind of file. Also, audio/video calling.
This is built on Rust with (Bitcoin style) encryption, whole new architecture.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 1, 2025
The Rust programming language is recognized for its speed, memory safety, and concurrency. The new XChat architecture implements encryption methods that are reminiscent of those used in Bitcoin.
XChat: Enhancing Privacy and Aligning with Musk’s Vision
X, which was formerly known as Twitter, first introduced its encrypted messaging feature in May 2023 for its paid users. The platform demonstrated transparency by publishing a help center article that examined the new feature’s advantages and drawbacks.
“We’re not quite there yet, but we’re working on it,” Musk noted at the time regarding the previous encryption efforts.
However, X put the feature on hold last week to focus on improvements, possibly related to the newly announced XChat.
This initiative is consistent with Musk’s ambitious vision of creating an “everything app,” akin to China’s WeChat, and suggests a move towards a more decentralized service.
XChat is currently accessible to a limited number of paid users on the platform. Nima Owji, an independent app researcher and web developer, noted, “It’s been a few days since Elon Musk is back in the office and we see that XChat is being rolled out to some users.”
It’s been a few days since Elon Musk is back in the office and we see that X Chat is being rolled out to some users!
LFG!
— Nima Owji (@nima_owji) May 31, 2025
In April, reports surfaced that Musk would be stepping down from his government role to prioritize his business interests, officially exiting as a special government employee at DOGE in May.
What is “Bitcoin-Style” Encryption?
Following Musk’s announcement regarding the launch of XChat, developers and cryptography specialists raised concerns about the characterization of Bitcoin as an encrypted platform. Samson Mow, CEO of Jan3 and an advocate for Bitcoin adoption by nation-states, commented on X, asserting that Bitcoin itself is not encrypted.
Bitcoin isn’t encrypted.
— Samson Mow (@Excellion) June 1, 2025
An additional Bitcoin core developer critiqued the use of the Rust programming language, labeling it as “woke” and expressing concerns over its security implications. “Bitcoin doesn’t even use encryption,” he added, further emphasizing the discrepancy in Musk’s description of the technology.
The article, “Elon Musk Teases New XChat Feature With ‘Bitcoin Style’ Encryption,” was originally published on Finance Newso.
