Elon Musk Announces XChat Rollout with 'Bitcoin-Style' Encryption Amidst Security Questions
Elon Musk announced on Sunday that a new version of X's direct messaging (DM) feature, XChat, is rolling out with support for features like vanishing messages, encryption, and file sharing, in addition to its existing audio and video calling capabilities.
<h2>XChat's New Features and Rollout</h2>The latest iteration of XChat is set to introduce several enhancements, including:
<ul> <li><strong>Vanishing Messages:</strong> A feature allowing messages to disappear after a set period.</li> <li><strong>Encryption:</strong> Enhanced security measures for user communications.</li> <li><strong>File Sharing:</strong> The ability to share files directly within chats.</li> <li><strong>Audio and Video Calling:</strong> Continued support for voice and video calls.</li> </ul>While XChat recently began beta testing among a select group of users, Musk indicated that the X team aims to make the updated XChat available to all users within the current week, provided no scaling issues arise during the deployment.
<h2>Technical Details and Encryption Debate</h2>Musk highlighted that the updated XChat is built on <strong>Rust</strong>, a programming language known for its performance and safety. He also mentioned that it features "Bitcoin-style" encryption and a "whole new architecture."
This description of "Bitcoin-style" encryption has sparked considerable discussion and debate within the tech community. Bitcoin itself does not use encryption in the way a messaging service would; rather, it relies on public key cryptography and digital signatures for its security and transaction verification. Experts are questioning whether Musk's terminology is a marketing tactic, a misunderstanding of encryption, or an imprecise use of the word "cryptography" instead of "encryption."
<em>Image Credits: X post by Samson Mow (opens in a new window)</em>
Musk has frequently expressed his desire to position X's DMs as a strong competitor to established encrypted messaging platforms like Signal and iMessage. However, the "Bitcoin-style" encryption description raises questions about XChat's actual security capabilities and its potential to rival these platforms.
Previously, X had announced a pause on its encrypted DMs feature, likely in anticipation of XChat's launch and its potential to replace the older system.
<h2>Recent Instability on X</h2>The rollout of XChat comes at a time when the X platform has experienced significant instability. Over the past week, users have reported multiple outages that affected their ability to browse timelines and use various features, including XChat. This recent instability could potentially impact the smooth deployment of the new XChat features.
<h2>Key Topics and Related Articles</h2>The article touches upon several key topics:
<ul> <li><strong>Apps:</strong> The development and features of XChat as an application.</li> <li><strong>Elon Musk:</strong> His role in driving the development and announcement of XChat.</li> <li><strong>Social Media:</strong> The evolution of social media platforms and their messaging features.</li> <li><strong>Twitter/X:</strong> The rebranding and ongoing development of the platform formerly known as Twitter.</li> <li><strong>XChat:</strong> The specific messaging feature and its new capabilities.</li> </ul>Related articles and topics mentioned include:
<ul> <li>Tesla's entry into India.</li> <li>Meta's data center construction methods.</li> <li>Nvidia's chip sales in China.</li> <li>Venture capital funding models.</li> <li>Meta's AI strategy and openness.</li> <li>AI therapy chatbots.</li> <li>Tech layoffs.</li> <li>ChatGPT.</li> </ul> <h2>Author Information</h2>The article is authored by Sarah Perez, a Consumer News Editor at TechCrunch, who has been with the publication since August 2011. Her background includes IT work across various industries before becoming a reporter.
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