Block, led by Jack Dorsey, launched Buzz, a new open source group chat app designed to integrate AI agents directly into workplace communication. The platform aims to reduce dependence on tools like Slack and GitHub by enabling employees and AI agents to collaborate side by side within shared channels.

Features and Functionality

Buzz assigns each user and AI agent a cryptographic identity that governs permissions and tracks activity. Agents can post messages, review code, and execute workflows pre-approved by the team. The app is built on Nostr, a decentralized protocol that records all interactions as signed events, ensuring transparency and auditability with a searchable log of messages, reactions, code changes, and approvals.

The platform supports AI agents developed by other providers, including Claude Code from Anthropic, Codex from OpenAI, and Block's own Goose. Teams control what internal resources each agent can access, such as databases and codebases. Buzz also features threads, direct messages, media sharing, canvases, search functions, audit logs, desktop apps for macOS, Windows, and Linux, and initial Git integration. Upcoming updates will add voice features, approval gates, and mobile applications.

Buzz is distributed under the Apache 2.0 license and the source code is hosted on GitHub. Teams can choose between running Block's hosted version or self-hosting to maintain full control of data, relays, and agents. This flexibility allows organizations to customize and extend the platform as needed.

Dorsey described Buzz as "model-agnostic, decentralized, self-sovereign and open source" in his announcement on X (formerly Twitter) on July 21. Block, known for products like Square, Cash App, Afterpay, and Tidal, positions Buzz as a tool for startups and teams already utilizing AI agents for daily operations.

The desktop app is available for free, supporting macOS, Windows, and Linux, enabling broad access for development teams and businesses interested in AI-powered collaborative environments.

This article provides information only and is not financial advice.