Elon Musk has unveiled XChat, the latest iteration of X’s Direct Messaging (DM) feature, introducing functionalities such as vanishing messages, encryption, file sharing, and audio and video calling. While Musk asserts that XChat is built on Rust with Bitcoin-style encryption and a whole new architecture, the specifics of this encryption method remain ambiguous, leading to debates about its security efficacy.
XChat is currently in beta testing with a select group of users, with plans for a broader rollout contingent on the absence of scaling issues. This development aligns with Musk’s ambition to position XChat as a competitor to encrypted messaging platforms like Signal and iMessage.
However, the platform has recently experienced significant instability, including multiple outages that have affected user access to timelines and other features, raising concerns about the reliability of the new messaging service.
In addition to XChat, Musk’s company xAI has introduced Grok 3, an AI chatbot model with fewer conversational restrictions compared to its competitors, aiming to attract users through adult content and risqué personalities. The Grok chatbot allows voice interaction with predefined personalities labeled as romantic, sexy, and unhinged (the latter two being 18+). This approach seeks to differentiate from rivals like OpenAI by enhancing engagement through unique adult-centered experiences. Despite xAI claiming their product is not for individuals under 13, concerns have been raised over potential child safety issues as the app facilitates easy access to adult content without stringent age verification. The Grok app has seen significant user growth, boosting engagement on Musk’s social media platform X. Critics warn about the ethical implications and potential unhealthy dependencies resulting from AI chatbots catering to human companionship and intimacy. Conversely, these AI interactions also provide valuable insights into user preferences for companies. Recent controversies include an incident where the chatbot was programmed to avoid sources mentioning misinformation about Elon Musk and Donald Trump, which xAI attributed to an error by a former OpenAI employee.
Furthermore, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team is reportedly expanding the use of his AI chatbot Grok within the U.S. federal government, raising significant ethical and legal concerns. Sources claim DOGE deployed a custom version of Grok to analyze government data without proper authorizations, potentially violating privacy laws and conflict-of-interest regulations. Grok, developed by Musk’s company xAI, may have accessed sensitive and confidential U.S. databases, sparking fears about data leaks, surveillance, and unfair commercial advantage. Homeland Security officials were allegedly encouraged by DOGE staff to adopt Grok despite its lack of approval for use within the agency. Critics, including legal and ethics experts, argue this could provide Musk with valuable nonpublic federal information and an edge in AI contracting. There are also concerns that DOGE may be using AI to monitor federal employees for political loyalty, breaching civil service protections. Neither Musk nor xAI has responded publicly, while some government departments deny involvement. Musk’s part-time advisory role limits his legal liability, but the situation raises broader questions about data security, ethical governance, and the influence of private interests on public institutions.
Additionally, Europe’s data protection watchdog is investigating Elon Musk’s X due to concerns regarding user data being automatically used to train AI systems in his start-up, xAI. Users were opted in without explicit consent, and the setting can only be changed on X’s desktop version, not through mobile apps. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, responsible for ensuring EU privacy compliance, has been engaging with X over these plans for months and recently sought more transparency on the matter. This move could potentially violate EU’s GDPR rules which necessitate user consent for data collection. Similar actions by Meta faced regulatory pushback, highlighting ongoing tensions around AI data usage in Europe. Musk aims to advance xAI by leveraging user data, aiming to compete with established AI models from companies like OpenAI and Google. This integration has raised both synergies and conflict concerns among investors, as Musk’s businesses become more interconnected.
In the context of XChat, the platform aims to replace traditional DMs with an upgraded messaging experience that brings a host of new features. According to leaked reports and insider information, XChat will be equipped with several key functionalities that distinguish it from traditional messaging systems:
– End-to-End Encryption: The most significant upgrade in XChat is the introduction of end-to-end encryption (E2EE), a feature that ensures only the sender and recipient can access the messages. E2EE is becoming the standard for privacy-conscious platforms like Signal and WhatsApp. XChat’s move to implement this technology could set a new bar for privacy on social media platforms.
– File Transfers and Media Sharing: XChat will allow users to share larger files, including images, videos, and documents, securely within the chat. This feature will likely enhance the user experience, especially for businesses and influencers who regularly need to exchange media with their followers.
– Verified User Authentication: XChat will introduce a new level of user verification to ensure that participants are who they say they are. This feature will help reduce the prevalence of fake accounts, impersonators, and bots that have plagued traditional DMs.
– Message Management Features: XChat will also introduce features that allow users to delete individual messages for all participants, as well as mark messages as unread. This approach aligns with the messaging features found in leading platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, which offer users greater control over their conversations.
Despite these promising features, the exact functionality of XChat remains unclear, leading to varied speculation among social media users. Some suggest it could serve as either a messaging service or an email client, potentially rivaling WeChat. Further speculation includes the possibility of message encryption, with announcements hinting at message encryption, coming soon to the X platform. However, official confirmation or details about this potential new messaging service from Musk’s platform are yet to be released.
In conclusion, while XChat’s rollout introduces several innovative features aimed at enhancing user experience and security, the lack of clarity regarding its encryption methods and recent platform instabilities raise questions about its reliability and effectiveness as a secure messaging service.
