Overview

• XChat is now available to beta testers and paid X subscribers with a wider rollout expected this week pending any scaling issues
• Built on Rust, XChat provides end-to-end encryption, vanishing messages, file sharing and cross-platform audio/video calls without requiring a phone number
• Musk’s description of “Bitcoin-style” encryption has been challenged by cryptographers who point out that Bitcoin’s protocols are not inherently encrypted
• X suspended its earlier encrypted DM feature last week in preparation for XChat, highlighting a shift toward more private messaging tools
• The introduction of XChat advances Musk’s vision to turn X into an “everything app” capable of rivaling WeChat by consolidating diverse services in one platform