“Bitchat addresses the need for resilient, private communication that doesn’t depend on centralized infrastructure,” as stated in a white paper available on Dorsey’s Github page. “By using Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networking, Bitchat facilitates direct peer-to-peer messaging within physical range, with automatic message relay to extend the effective reach beyond direct Bluetooth connections.”

Images shared by Dorsey about the app also reveal that Bitchat functions without accounts, servers, or data collection, and includes privacy tools such as password-protected channels and a “Panic Mode” that immediately deletes all data when the logo is tapped three times.

Similar Bluetooth-based messaging apps like Bridgefy and the now-defunct FireChat have notably been used by pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong over the last decade because they’re harder for Chinese authorities to trace or block. While Bridgefy says it can send messages over a distance of 100 meters (330 feet), Bitchat offers a range of more than 300 meters (984 feet), with future updates planned that will allow users to increase speed and range via Wi-Fi Direct.

Bitchat is available to beta testers via Apple TestFlight, but TestFlight is currently full after reaching its maximum 10,000-user capacity. Dorsey says the app is still undergoing review ahead of its full release.