Elon Musk has announced the rollout of XChat, a new communication feature integrated into X, formerly known as Twitter.
The feature introduces encrypted messaging, vanishing messages, and support for audio and video calls across platforms. According to Musk, XChat enables users to make calls without needing a phone number and supports sending any file type. He described the encryption system as a “whole new architecture,” likening it to Bitcoin-style security.
The announcement follows X’s broader goal to transform into an all-in-one application, similar to China’s WeChat.
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
Feature Expansion Amid System Issues
Musk’s announcement comes as X implements expanded chat capabilities. These include end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and direct integration with the platform. Users can now access audio and video call options without linking a phone number. However, the update arrives shortly after the platform temporarily suspended its existing encrypted direct message (DM) feature.
X stated that the DM encryption was paused while improvements were underway. The pause followed a fire at a data center in Oregon that caused widespread outages across the platform, impacting various services, including messaging.
Before its suspension, encrypted DMs were available only to verified users under specific conditions. These included mutual follow status or prior acceptance of messages. The early access version also lacked support for group chats, multimedia content, and metadata encryption.
Despite those limitations, encrypted messaging had remained accessible for reading previously sent messages, though new encrypted messages could not be sent.
Mixed Analyst Reactions and Feature Comparisons
In response to XChat’s release, comparisons quickly emerged with existing platforms like Signal and Telegram. Grok, the AI chatbot built by xAI and integrated into X, highlighted key differences. It noted that XChat includes end-to-end encryption and native platform integration but remains in beta and has not undergone security audits.
Grok added that Signal offers strong default encryption and low data collection, while Telegram supports bots and large groups but only encrypts its Secret Chats, raising metadata concerns.
Separately, MartyParty, a known crypto commentator, commented that open-source and decentralized solutions, like Solana, should power XChat instead.
Feedback on Messaging and Encryption Claims
Additional responses have focused on the encryption claims and the potential for disappearing content across the broader X platform. Samson Mow, CEO of Bitcoin tech firm JAN3, responded to the encryption analogy by stating that Bitcoin itself isn’t encrypted.
On a different note, the citizen journalism account Autism Capital suggested extending vanishing messages to public tweets. They argued that auto-deleting posts tied to short-term events could help reduce content clutter and improve contextual relevance for users over time.
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