Bitchat Downloads Surge in Nepal Amid Social Media Ban
Bitchat Adoption Soars in Nepal Amid Protests and Censorship
Decentralized messaging application Bitchat is experiencing a surge in popularity in Nepal. The spike in downloads coincides with ongoing youth-led protests against government corruption and a recent social media ban.
Bitchat, an initiative started by Jack Dorsey, has seen downloads skyrocket in Nepal as citizens seek censorship-resistant communication tools.
This surge mirrors a similar trend observed in Indonesia during recent unrest, but the increase in Nepal is even more pronounced. Reports indicate over 48,000 Nepali users downloaded the app in a matter of days, significantly exceeding the 12,000 daily downloads seen in Indonesia during their protests.
The data was initially shared on X by Bitcoin open-source developer "callebtc," a Bitchat contributor.
Social Media Blockade Fuels Demand for 'Freedom Tech'
The Nepalese government recently blocked access to 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. This action followed accusations of corruption against high-ranking politicians and the rise of anti-corruption campaigns exposing the lavish lifestyles of elite families.
This prohibition ignited a Gen Z-led movement advocating for transparency and freedom from censorship. Protesters have even stormed parliament and the Supreme Court in Nepal.
Reports indicate at least 19 deaths and hundreds of injuries during clashes with security forces, leading to the resignation of the Prime Minister and the imposition of a curfew.
Bitchat's Decentralized Design Offers Resilience
Bitchat's key feature is its ability to function independently of internet and cellular networks. This makes it a valuable tool during government-imposed communication blackouts. The app utilizes Bluetooth mesh networking, enabling end-to-end encrypted message transmission between nearby devices.
This decentralized architecture makes it resistant to traditional censorship and surveillance methods.
Bitchat's Growing Appeal as a Censorship-Resistant Tool
Amidst the social media blockade in Nepal, Bitchat has gained recognition as a vital communication tool, offering an alternative to censored platforms.
The app requires no phone number, email address, or registration. Users can connect locally and communicate even without internet access. This surge in interest points to a larger trend: citizens are increasingly turning to “freedom tech” to bypass government restrictions. Similar spikes in Bitchat downloads have been observed in Indonesia and Russia during periods of political instability. This suggests a growing global need for secure, decentralized messaging applications as digital censorship becomes more prevalent.