Washington: Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal, XChat lets users message and call without ever needing a phone number.

Elon Musk’s newest creation, XChat, is rolling out in beta to select paid users of X (formerly Twitter), positioning itself as a serious contender in the secure messaging space. Designed with privacy at its core, the platform introduces end-to-end encrypted chats, disappearing messages, and cross-platform audio/video calls — all without requiring a phone number.

In a post on Sunday, Musk described XChat as “all new” and powered by a “whole new architecture,” highlighting its encryption framework inspired by Bitcoin protocols. While the specifics of the technology remain under wraps, early feedback notes a 4-digit passcode used to protect private conversations.

The move places XChat in direct competition with industry giants like WhatsApp and Telegram. Notably, Meta’s Messenger and Instagram are still in the process of implementing full encryption features, giving XChat a possible edge among privacy advocates.

XChat’s launch follows recent upgrades to X’s messaging services, including vanishing messages and enhanced group chats. These additions align with a growing trend in the tech industry towards secure, user-controlled communication.

With aims to rival China’s WeChat, Musk envisions X as a one-stop digital hub, combining messaging, media, payments, and even dating features. He’s previously hinted that by the end of 2024, X could function as both a digital bank and a dating app.