Elon Musk-owned social media company X is introducing a new messaging feature, XChat, with improved user functionality. XChat provides voice and video calls, vanishing messages, and file-sharing functionality to facilitate user-to-user communication. Elon Musk said this service would employ “Bitcoin-style encryption,” which generated widespread talk among tech and crypto enthusiasts.
Musk revealed that XChat’s system was designed based on Rust, which is one of the programming languages used for new security-oriented software development. He said that Rust is capable of encryption and the overall design is new and secure. Earlier, on May 29, the company suspended its original encrypted messaging to ensure it runs faster and seemingly to prepare to launch XChat.
Some experts criticized the comparison by Musk of the new feature to the encryption systems used by Bitcoin. Core developer Luke Dashjr and crypto analyst Samson Mow both indicated that Bitcoin does not employ conventional encryption. Others explained that Bitcoin relies on elliptic curve cryptography to secure user ownership as well as transaction confirmation.
Elon Musk Cites Bitcoin For XChat Security
Bitcoin implements this technique to develop a secure private and public key pair, which provides secure asset ownership without exposing sensitive information. This one-way math relationship protects without using any central entity. Further, SHA-256 is employed by Bitcoin to confirm transactions and develop one-of-a-kind identifiers for blocks and transactions.
TechCrunch revealed that the XChat feature is currently available to paying subscribers and includes extra security with a four-digit passcode. This move aligns with Musk’s larger vision for X to grow beyond its current role as a social platform. He has repeatedly stated his desire to develop X into a complete “everything app” with various services integrated.
On May 25, Musk announced another project named X Money, a payments system currently undergoing limited beta testing. He emphasized caution, saying financial features must prioritize user safety, especially when dealing with personal savings. By adding secure messaging and payment tools, X is preparing to compete with services like Signal, Telegram, Venmo, and Cash App.
