Elon Musk’s Messaging App Sparks Encryption Debate
Elon Musk– On Sunday, Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and head of X (formerly Twitter), announced the launch of a new messaging platform: XChat. Built using the Rust programming language and described as having “Bitcoin-style encryption,” the app promises features like end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and file sharing without a phone number.
Crypto Community Questions the Hype
While Musk’s announcement generated headlines, both the Bitcoin community and wider tech industry remained unimpressed. The reason? Experts say the security claims behind XChat are vague and misleading.
“Bitcoin primarily uses signatures, not encryption. This is like saying we decided to run our rocket on water, since NASA uses hydrogen and oxygen,” said Ian Miers, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Maryland, in a post on X.
Miers further explained,
“‘Bitcoin-style’ and ‘Rust’ are not encryption methods, nor do they guarantee strong security for messaging apps. Also, unless encrypted messages are limited to in-app storage, they likely aren’t written only in Rust.”
Messaging App Features Don’t Justify Crypto Branding
Although XChat offers modern messaging functions—such as cross-platform file transfers and no phone number requirement—the crypto branding has been met with skepticism. On the Bitcoin blockchain, transactions aren’t encrypted but digitally signed, allowing full transparency and interaction among anonymous participants.
The announcement had no noticeable impact on Bitcoin’s market performance, which traded flat near $105,000, following a 3% decline the previous week, per CoinDesk data.
While Musk continues to push the boundaries of tech innovation, many in the crypto space are urging a more accurate representation of blockchain and security terminology in mainstream products.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies and stocks, particularly in micro-cap companies, are subject to significant volatility and risk. Please conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.
