Social network X has announced Chat, its new encrypted messaging option that focuses on privacy and communication versatility. The service evolves direct messages with a range of features designed for more secure and comprehensive conversations.
Among the new features, users will find end-to-end encryption , voice and video calls, file sharing, and additional controls over what they share. X maintains that protection extends to messages, links, documents, multimedia, and reactions, while everyday tools have been enhanced with convenient shortcuts.
What is Chat and how does encryption work?
Chat replaces and expands the direct messaging experience with an end-to-end encryption system designed so that only the sender and recipient can access the content. This system covers both text and attachments and is designed to integrate seamlessly into the platform's existing workflow.
It's important to note that metadata is excluded from conversations. Data such as the recipient, time, and date are not encrypted, and X indicates that it will record them in a communication history, as detailed on its Support page.
When using Chat for the first time, the system generates a public and a private key . To protect the private key, the user sets a PIN that is saved on their device, and the private key is securely stored in X's infrastructure linked to that PIN.
Within the experience, X integrates Grok, its AI assistant , with features such as image editing and message queries. However, if Grok is used with chat content, that specific content is no longer protected by end-to-end encryption.
Key features: more control and more options
In addition to sending and receiving messages, Chat allows you to edit and delete messages , as well as undo sending if you've made a mistake. These features add flexibility and prevent errors that were previously difficult to correct.
For sensitive conversations, you can send temporary messages that disappear automatically after a user-defined time. This option helps limit the exposure of sensitive content.
Communication doesn't stop at text: the service supports calls and video calls , bringing the platform closer to a complete messaging experience in one place without having to switch applications.
In the exchange of information, Chat enables the sending of files and documents in addition to photos and videos, centralizing content management within the conversation thread itself.
Privacy and security: what is encrypted and what is not
To enhance privacy, Chat offers the option to completely block screenshots . If the user prefers to allow them, they can activate automatic alerts that notify them of each screenshot taken and include the name of the person responsible.
Along with the advantages of encryption, some specialists point out that there is currently no identity verification mechanism that completely rules out man-in-the-middle attacks, although there are proposals for enterprise messaging with enhanced security . X states that it is working on tools that allow for verifying the integrity of encrypted exchanges.
It is important to emphasize that contextual information remains unencrypted. Even if the content is end-to-end protected, contextual information such as sender, recipient, or timestamps may still be visible to the platform and recorded in logs.
Availability and release status
According to the company, Chat's encrypted messaging is available in the iOS X app and the web version. It will be available on Android soon, according to Chat's new official profile on the platform.
For those already using direct messages, X maintains a unified inbox from which previous history can be accessed. This way, the transition doesn't break conversations or force a change of environment.
With this rollout, the platform seeks to combine security, control, and versatility in a single service: end-to-end encryption for content, more communication options, and granular privacy tools, with the aim of making its use both everyday and discreet.
X's approach with Chat relies on highly requested features (disappearing messages, undo sending, screenshot blocking) and an encryption implementation that clearly defines what is protected and what is not. While we await the promised verification improvements and Android rollout, the service already offers a more comprehensive alternative to traditional direct messages without requiring users to leave the platform.
