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Jack Dorsey’s Offline Messaging App Bitchat Gains Momentum Amid Internet Shutdowns in Iran and Uganda
As governments in Iran and Uganda shut down internet access during political unrest, a new messaging app created by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is gaining rapid attention. The app, known as Bitchat, allows users to send messages without the internet, central servers, or personal details. As a result, many people now rely on it during elections, protests, and power outages.
In Uganda, Bitchat climbed to the top of Apple’s App Store and Google Play ahead of the country’s tense general election. The vote ended with President Yoweri Museveni securing a seventh term. However, widespread internet disruptions pushed citizens to search for alternative ways to stay connected.
Similarly, the app has gained popularity in Iran. Authorities there have repeatedly restricted internet access to limit communication during nationwide protests. Consequently, many users turned to Bitchat as a reliable option.
Download Growth Driven by Internet Blackouts
According to mobile analytics firm Apptopia, Bitchat recorded more than 28,000 downloads in 2026 alone. This figure represents nearly four times the combined downloads from the previous two months.
Moreover, analysts link this growth directly to recurring internet shutdowns. When traditional networks fail, users quickly adopt tools that do not depend on central infrastructure.
How Bitchat Works Without the Internet
Unlike popular messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or Telegram, Bitchat does not rely on the internet. Instead, it uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to transmit messages between nearby devices. Under ideal conditions, BLE can cover distances of up to 300 metres.
To expand communication further, the app uses mesh networking technology. Each phone running Bitchat acts as both a sender and a relay. As messages move from device to device, the network grows organically. This process allows communication across wider areas without servers or data centres.
Additionally, Bitchat works on both Android and iOS devices. Users do not need phone numbers, email addresses, or usernames to start messaging.
Strong Focus on Privacy and Security
Bitchat places privacy at the centre of its design. Messages stay only on users’ devices and disappear by default. Importantly, no message ever passes through a central server.
Furthermore, the app is free and open-source. Developers can inspect the code, improve security, or create modified versions of the app. Because of this transparency, privacy advocates and technologists view Bitchat as a safer alternative to data-driven platforms.
In 2025, Dorsey described the app as a “weekend project.” He said he built it to explore Bluetooth mesh networks, encrypted messaging, and store-and-forward systems. Despite its experimental beginnings, the app now serves real-world needs.
Use Cases Beyond Protests and Elections
Although political unrest has driven Bitchat’s rise, its usefulness goes far beyond protests. For example, it can help users communicate at crowded events where mobile networks struggle.
Journalists can also use the app to protect sensitive sources. In addition, Bitchat works during power failures and network blackouts. Spain’s nationwide blackout last year highlighted how such tools can become essential.
Notably, Bitchat follows a familiar pattern. In the past, Twitter played a major role during the Arab Spring in 2011. Later, Bridgefy enabled communication during Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests between 2019 and 2020.
A Growing Shift Toward Decentralised Communication
As governments increasingly use internet shutdowns to control information, tools like Bitchat continue to gain relevance. The app’s rapid adoption shows how decentralised technology can restore communication when traditional networks fail.
Ultimately, Bitchat reflects a broader shift. People now seek platforms that offer resilience, privacy, and independence—especially during moments of crisis.
