X, formerly known as Twitter, has temporarily suspended the encrypted direct messaging feature for its paid users. This decision comes two years after its introduction and is reportedly paving the way for a new messaging application.
The move is widely believed to be a precursor to the launch of XChat, a dedicated messaging app linked to X. This application will directly compete with established messaging platforms such as Messenger and WhatsApp. Reports suggest that developers have seen evidence of XChat in experimental versions of the app.
Elon Musk's vision for X involves transforming it into an all-encompassing application that includes digital payment functionalities. This latest development aligns with that long-term goal.
A recent service outage on X, affecting global users, was reportedly caused by a fire at a data center in Portland, Oregon, rented by X.