Elon Musk has once again stirred the tech and crypto worlds with a bold new announcement: XChat, a soon-to-launch messaging feature on his X platform (formerly Twitter), is said to offer end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, media sharing, and full audio-video call support.
All new XChat is rolling out with encryption, vanishing messages and the ability to send any kind of file. Also, audio/video calling.
This is built on Rust with (Bitcoin style) encryption, whole new architecture.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 1, 2025
But what caught everyone’s attention and caused widespread confusion was Musk’s claim that the service will be built using “Bitcoin style” encryption and developed in Rust, touting it as a “whole new architecture.”
Bitcoin Encryption? Experts Say That’s Not Quite Right
Despite Musk’s hype, leading figures in the crypto community quickly responded with skepticism. Critics highlighted a basic technical misrepresentation: Bitcoin does not use encryption in the way Musk suggests.
“Bitcoin doesn’t even use encryption,” noted Luke Dashjr, a Bitcoin Core developer and CTO at OCEAN.
Samson Mow, CEO of JAN3 and Pixelmatic, backed the critique, stating, “Bitcoin isn’t encrypted.”
In reality, Bitcoin relies on cryptographic functions, not encryption, to validate transactions and secure wallet keys. It uses SHA-256 hashing and elliptic curve cryptography, which are public cryptographic methods, but not designed to encrypt messages.
Rust and XChat’s Architecture Also Questioned
Musk also claimed that XChat is being built in Rust, suggesting a more modern and secure foundation than Bitcoin’s original C++ codebase. However, this too raised eyebrows in the development community.
“Bitcoin was written in C++, not Rust,” tweeted Shaw Walters, founder of Eliza Labs.
Some speculated that Musk may be borrowing technical buzzwords to generate attention, especially as he continues efforts to pivot X into a multi-functional platform with integrated finance, media, and now messaging tools.
More Announcements from Musk’s Ecosystem
This revelation comes shortly after several high-profile updates from Musk’s various ventures:
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A SpaceX rocket explosion made headlines last week, though Musk reiterated his commitment to Mars colonization within 20 years.
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X quietly soft-launched a digital wallet named “X Money”, pushing forward Musk’s plan to build an “everything app.”
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Musk also denied claims from Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, who alleged a $300 million xAI partnership, saying, “No deal has been signed.”
Despite these controversies, Musk remains bullish on transforming X into a full-scale communications, commerce, and media platform.
What’s Next for XChat?
No documentation or further technical details have been released by X Corp. as of this writing. Users, developers, and privacy advocates alike are waiting for more transparency around the security protocols behind XChat before it rolls out.
If XChat delivers on even a portion of Musk’s promises, it could become a serious competitor to encrypted messaging platforms like Signal and Telegram. Until then, the crypto and tech communities remain cautiously skeptical.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and risky. Always conduct your research before making any investment decisions.
