In short
Musk unveiled an upcoming X function with encrypted messages, vanishing texts, and file transfers
He claimed it is in-built Rust with “Bitcoin model” encryption
Builders have pushed again, saying Bitcoin does not use encryption
Elon Musk introduced on Sunday that X will quickly roll out a brand new messaging function referred to as XChat, touting capabilities equivalent to encrypted conversations, vanishing messages, file transfers, and audio and video calls.
However the submit prompted confusion after the X CEO stated the function is “constructed on Rust with (Bitcoin model) encryption, entire new structure,” prompting a flurry of skeptical replies from Bitcoin builders and cryptography consultants.
“Bitcoin does not even use encryption,” stated Bitcoin Core developer and OCEAN CTO Luke Dashjr in response to Musk’s submit.
One other high-profile determine, JAN3 and Pixelmatic CEO Samson Mow, echoed the sentiment, including, “Bitcoin is not encrypted.”
Bitcoin makes use of cryptographic strategies equivalent to elliptic curve cryptography and SHA-256 hashing for key era and transaction validation, not encryption for message confidentiality.
The hyperlink with Rust was additionally questioned. “Bitcoin was written in cpp,” Eliza Labs founder Shaw Walters identified, referring to C++. “Rust shoppers got here later.”
No additional documentation has been supplied by the social media platform. Makes an attempt have been made to contact X.
Musk’s announcement follows per week of renewed curiosity in his firms after he stepped down from his authorities place on the Division of Authorities Effectivity.
Final week, one other rocket launched by SpaceX exploded, however that hasn’t stopped the CEO from laying out his imaginative and prescient for colonizing Mars and predicting the institution of a colony there inside the subsequent 20 years.Â
X additionally soft-launched a brand new digital pockets, “X Cash,” marking one other step in Musk’s try to show X into an all-in-one app.
His foray into encrypted messaging additionally comes after publicly denying a cope with Telegram.Â
Final week, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov claimed Telegram had entered a one-year partnership with Musk’s xAI, together with a $300 million payout and app integration. Musk responded, “No deal has been signed.”
Edited by Sebastian Sinclair
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