Elon Musk says XChat is rolling out to all, but questions remain about its alleged security
TechCrunchJUN 4
Elon Musk's X launches WhatsApp Rival XChat
Above: Elon Musk in the White House on May 30, 2025. Image copyright: Francis Chung/Contributor/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Techno-optimist narrative
XChat is a revolutionary leap in digital privacy and security. The Bitcoin-inspired encryption offers unbreakable protection that surpasses that of WhatsApp and other mainstream platforms, such as Signal and Telegram. This innovation positions X as the ultimate privacy-focused communication hub for users who value true digital sovereignty.
Techno-skeptic narrative
Elon's "Bitcoin-style encryption" label raises serious doubts about XChat's actual security model. Bitcoin doesn't use encryption for privacy — it uses digital signatures and hashing to ensure transparency, not confidentiality. Framing it as a model for secure messaging is either a misused buzzword or a fundamental misread of cryptographic design. For users considering a switch, that confusion adds another barrier to trust and adoption.