X Chat: Revised Messenger with Encryption

The social network X has revamped its integrated messenger under the new name Chat. X Chat now includes new features already known from competitors. These include messages that disappear automatically, support for video and audio calls, and file sharing.

X Chat is initially available for iOS and in the browser version. According to Elon Musk's company, an Android version is to follow soon.

Transport Encryption, but No E2E

In X Chat, users can also prevent screenshots from being taken of their conversations. Alternatively, it is also possible to be notified only when the other party takes screenshots. Old messages are automatically transferred and displayed in Chat.

With the update, encryption is also making a comeback, although it only applies to the message content itself and accompanying files – but not to the conversation metadata. X speaks of end-to-end encryption. However, this is contradicted by the fact that the private keys are stored on X's servers, giving X access to the keys. The support document acknowledges that man-in-the-middle attacks are possible. With true E2E encryption, the private keys remain on the device.

Further Improvements Announced

There is also no Forward Secrecy. This means that if a private key is compromised, all messages ever sent and received become readable. X has announced that it intends to improve this. Before its rebranding to X, Twitter already offered encrypted direct messages once in 2023. This option was withdrawn in May 2025, at that time already with a note on upcoming improvements.

(mki)