Elon Musk XChat Launches With Bitcoin-Level Encryption

X has officially announced a new secure messaging platform, XChat, with features designed for speed, encryption, and cross-device privacy. But unlike the other apps, it brings end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and anonymous use without asking for a phone number. Elon Musk then confirmed it was built in Rust and used Bitcoin-style encryption for good, secure, and efficient security.

Bitcoin-Grade Security Powers New XChat Platform

XChat uses elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) to protect communications with high-grade security while remaining lightweight and fast. It incorporates protocols like ECDH for secure key sharing and ECIES for encrypted messaging between users. These tools ensure end-to-end message privacy without sending actual keys across networks.

This will be a very limited access beta at first. When people’s saving are involved, extreme care must be taken.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 25, 2025

Rust powers the entire system and helps prevent memory-based vulnerabilities, making the platform more reliable than traditional alternatives. Developers chose Rust for its modern safety features and high-performance capabilities across mobile and desktop environments. That combination aligns with XChat’s aim to serve users on any platform, regardless of hardware limitations.

The system also avoids linking accounts to phone numbers, which enhances anonymity and user privacy. It can function across devices using internet-only access, eliminating dependence on SIM cards or mobile networks. This structure challenges platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, which require numbers to register and operate.

XChat Enhances Bitcoin Encryption With Extra Layers

XChat depends heavily on ECC, a widely trusted encryption method used in cryptocurrency and digital signature systems. It uses smaller key sizes than RSA, reducing resource consumption while offering strong encryption strength. A 256-bit ECC key offers similar security as a 3072-bit RSA key.

However, experts continue to question ECC’s long-term safety as quantum computing advances. Recent studies show that quantum machines may crack ECC faster than previously thought, posing a future risk. The key threat lies in solving the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem, the foundation of ECC security.

For now, ECC remains secure against classical computers, and XChat continues to operate within those constraints. It integrates additional protections like ECMQV and possibly ECQV certificates to enhance message integrity. These methods prevent spoofing and eliminate the need for traditional public key infrastructure.

Privacy, Portability, and Performance Combined

XChat supports any file type and includes video and audio calling without requiring a phone number or SIM card. Users can access the platform from any internet-enabled device, including desktops, tablets, or secondary phones, making it a portable and carrier-independent solution.

The system employs ECDSA for signature verification and may adopt EdDSA for higher performance and additional safety. Twisted Edwards curves offer advantages in verification speed and cryptographic strength. These options suit large-scale deployments where millions of messages require real-time protection.

XChat focuses on privacy by design and adopts a decentralized approach to identity validation. Features like implicit certificates help authenticate users without relying on centralized authorities. This may enhance trust while reducing attack surfaces common in traditional messaging apps.

FAQs

What is XChat?

XChat is a messaging platform by X that offers encrypted messaging, cross-device support, and anonymity without needing a phone number.

How does XChat handle encryption?

XChat uses ECC-based protocols like ECDH and ECIES for key exchange and message encryption, ensuring end-to-end privacy.

Is XChat safe from quantum computing threats?

Currently, yes. But researchers have raised concerns about future quantum threats to ECC-based systems like XChat.

What makes XChat different from WhatsApp or Telegram?

XChat does not require a SIM card or phone number, offers full encryption, and works across platforms without dependence on a mobile network.

Why was Rust chosen for XChat?

Rust provides memory safety and performance, making it ideal for secure and efficient applications like XChat.

Glossary of Key Terms

XChat – A secure messaging platform from X, built with Bitcoin-style encryption and no phone number requirement.

ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) – A cryptographic method using elliptic curves for secure communications with smaller key sizes.

ECDH (Elliptic Curve Diffie–Hellman) – A protocol used to generate shared private keys between users without exchanging secret data.

ECIES (Elliptic Curve Integrated Encryption Scheme) – A hybrid encryption method combining ECC and symmetric encryption.

ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) – A digital signature algorithm used to verify message authenticity in XChat.

EdDSA (Edwards-curve Digital Signature Algorithm) – A faster, secure digital signature option built on twisted Edwards curves.

Rust – A programming language that emphasizes safety and speed, widely used for building secure applications like XChat.

References:

TheStreet

CoinDesk

X ‘