X Launches 'Chat' Encrypted Direct Messaging Service

[MacRumors]

X has launched Chat, an end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) replacement for its existing direct messaging service.

Chat is rolling out on iOS now via the X app, and it includes support for video and voice calls, disappearing messages, and file sharing, as well as the ability to edit and delete previously sent messages.

Any old messages should be carried across to Chat from the old DM system on X (formerly Twitter). Users also have options to block screenshots and get notified of attempts to take them. However, it's worth noting that the E2EE support doesn't encrypt message metadata, and this can include information about the sender as well as the recipient.

X also says that its system lacks safeguards against man-in-the-middle attacks, meaning an encrypted chat could be intercepted without either participant realizing it. So a determined insider or even X itself, acting under legal obligation, could theoretically access a conversation without triggering any warning to the sender or recipient. The company added that it is developing tools to let users confirm the integrity of their encrypted exchanges.

X has been previewing its new chat tools for months, launching an early version of encrypted messaging earlier this year before pausing it in May to resolve undisclosed issues. A voice memo feature for users to exchange audio messages is currently being developed, and an Android version is apparently coming soon.

Article Link: X Launches 'Chat' Encrypted Direct Messaging Service

 

[nt5672]

Musk in so intertwined with the government with his rockets that, until proven otherwise, I have to suspect this is made for government monitoring.

 

[DocMultimedia]

Lesson 101 in computer security: Don’t let Musk have full access to your entire phone.

 

[cicalinarrot]

At least this time Musk won't pretend he invented the whole idea of messaging. Maybe.

 

[Mactech20]

A social media app has encrypted messaging, cool!

(cue conspiracy theories, ragebait, people upset because its X)

 

[1Peace]

It will be hard to get it popular in the world with iMessage, WhatsApp and Messenger.

 

[omenatarhuri]

It will be hard to get it popular in the world with iMessage, WhatsApp and Messenger.

What's Messenger?

 

[WarmWinterHat]

A social media app has encrypted messaging, cool!

(cue conspiracy theories, ragebait, people upset because its X)

It's cool that it has it, but I'm not going to use it.

I didn't use Twitter prior to Musk, and I'm not going to use X with Musk.

 

[1Peace]

What's Messenger?

Facebook’s chat app.

 

[Lizzard899]

Dumbest idea ever. Forcing us to put in a 4 digit code just to access our messages? NO THANKS. I dont do 2fa on anything. dumbest idea by musk.

 

[KES3059A3]

lol nope. i don't trust Musk not to read our messages or use them to train his ai

 

[blaureiter]

Musk via his DOGE sweep has already consolidated databases across the government, why would anyone trust any organization run by such an operator and freely offer personal information beyond what he has already stolen?

 

[segfaultdotorg]

Apple is falling behind! They need to offer encrypted messages in iChat.

 

[Onelifenofear]

Musk in so intertwined with the government with his rockets that, until proven otherwise, I have to suspect this is made for government monitoring.

So you didn't follow the break up then?

 

[lapstags]

“X” is 4chan central these days

 

[Happy_John]

Another chat platform. I guess if you like Twitter and want to run your chats from Twitter, then great. There's not much reason to move from an existing chat / messaging system to it, other than you Like Twitter/X.

It doesn't sound particularly secure, and the ability to delete and edit chat content retroactively makes it only useful for personal use.

 

[definitive]

It will be hard to get it popular in the world with iMessage, WhatsApp and Messenger.

i don't think the point of chat is to replace any of those apps. it's a built-in communication system for x users.

 

[dustin_]

However, it's worth noting that the E2EE support doesn't encrypt message metadata, and this can include information about the sender as well as the recipient.

X also says that its system lacks safeguards against man-in-the-middle attacks, meaning an encrypted chat could be intercepted without either participant realizing it. So a determined insider or even X itself, acting under legal obligation, could theoretically access a conversation without triggering any warning to the sender or recipient.

so what’s the point?

 

[Onelifenofear]

So is anyone actually who they say they are on Twitter? When I use a chat ( Messages / SMS ).

I am my real name... I am never putting that anywhere near Twitter. No I don't use WhatsApp for the same reason.

And I am not chatting to anyone on Twitter, there are all bots or crazy.

 

[macwhiztech]

As an IT security professional, I'm having trouble reconciling "end-to-end encryption" with "not protected against man-in-the-middle attacks." I think one of these things doesn't mean what Musk thinks it means...

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Ah great, now the Twitter spam bots can send encrypted spam!

 

[Octavius8]

What is the equivalent verb to say “tweeted”, as in “posted a Tweet”, but in X?

 

[WarmWinterHat]

What is the equivalent verb to say “tweeted”, as in “posted a Tweet”, but in X?

Xitting on Xitter.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I think it's unrealistic to expect conversations using this to actually remain private.

 

[FightTheFuture]

👍 Palantir likes this.