According to engadget, X has finally launched its long-promised Chat platform that completely replaces the service’s basic DM functionality. The new system adds voice and video calling, file sharing capabilities, and the ability to edit and delete sent messages. Privacy features include end-to-end encryption that now covers group messages and media, plus screenshot notifications. The rollout is happening immediately on iOS and web platforms, with Android support “coming soon.” X also confirmed it’s working on voice memo functionality for audio message exchanges, though the company paused an earlier encrypted messaging version in May to fix unspecified issues.
The security fine print matters
Here’s the thing about X’s encryption claims – they come with some pretty significant caveats. The company explicitly states they “do not offer protections against man-in-the-middle attacks” and that metadata including recipient information remains unencrypted. Basically, if someone compromises your conversation – whether that’s a malicious insider or X itself responding to legal demands – neither you nor the person you’re chatting with would ever know. That’s a pretty big gap for something being marketed as a privacy-focused upgrade. And they’re working on verification features, but those aren’t here yet.
What X is really building here
Look, this isn’t just about making DMs better. X is clearly trying to become a full-fledged communications platform that can compete with WhatsApp, Telegram, and even FaceTime. The timing is interesting too – they’re rolling this out as the platform faces increased scrutiny around content moderation and user safety. By positioning themselves as privacy-focused (even with the limitations), they’re appealing to users who might be looking for alternatives to mainstream messaging apps. But can they actually deliver on that promise when the security foundations seem shaky?
What actually changes for users
For regular X users, this means your messaging experience is about to get a lot more feature-rich. You’ll be able to make video calls directly through the app, share files, and actually fix those embarrassing typos after you hit send. The screenshot notifications are a nice touch for privacy-conscious conversations. But honestly, the real test will be whether people actually trust X enough to use this for sensitive communications. When the platform itself warns you that your encrypted chats could be compromised without your knowledge, that’s going to make a lot of people think twice before sharing anything truly private. The official announcement makes it sound polished, but the security details tell a different story.
