In a significant move for the cryptocurrency community, Jack Dorsey, the former CEO of Twitter and a well-known advocate for Bitcoin, recently called on Signal Messenger to adopt Bitcoin (BTC) for its peer-to-peer (P2P) payment system. Despite the platform’s existing partnership with Sentz (formerly MobileCoin), Dorsey argues that Bitcoin would enhance the functionality of Signal as a secure messaging app.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dorsey stated, “Signal should use Bitcoin for P2P payments,” responding to a suggestion from a Bitcoin developer that BTC is perfectly suited for Signal’s private communication features. This remark aligns with a broader movement promoting Bitcoin as a viable payment method, rather than just a store of value or digital gold.
Dorsey’s sentiment was supported by other notable figures in the tech and finance world, including former PayPal president David Marcus, who emphasized that all non-transactional apps should incorporate Bitcoin into their frameworks. This growing consensus highlights a shift in the narrative surrounding Bitcoin, aiming to position it as a functional and adaptable currency for everyday transactions.
Currently, Signal utilizes Sentz for in-app payments, a privacy-centric currency that has faced its share of scrutiny since its integration in 2021. Concerns about Signal’s past relationships and the transparency of MobileCoin’s operations have cast a shadow on their collaboration. Following its rebranding in late 2023, Sentz aims to be a quick and user-friendly crypto solution, yet many in the community are advocating for a transition to Bitcoin as the primary payment option on the platform.
Signal’s reluctance to fully embrace Bitcoin is reflective of a larger trend among social media and messaging platforms, many of which have been slow to adopt Bitcoin in favor of altcoins. Historically, apps like Telegram have opted for proprietary tokens, such as Toncoin, which are linked to their founder’s initiatives rather than utilizing established currencies like Bitcoin. This decision-making process raises questions about the strategic direction these platforms are taking regarding cryptocurrency.
As the crypto landscape rapidly evolves, potential integrations and collaborations become crucial for the success and trustworthiness of these platforms. Moving towards Bitcoin could serve not only to enhance user security and flexibility but also to align with the principles of decentralization that underpin the cryptocurrency ethos.
