Iran, Uganda, Nepal: How Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat App Is Safeguarding Free Speech in 2026

• Why Is Bitchat Gaining Traction in Censored Regions?
• How Does Bitchat Compare to Other Decentralized Messaging Apps?
• What Are the Risks of Relying on Bitchat?
• Could Cryptocurrencies Play a Role in Circumventing Censorship?
• FAQs: Bitchat and Digital Resistance

In an era where internet shutdowns are becoming a go-to tool for oppressive regimes, Bitchat—a Bluetooth-based messaging app by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey—has emerged as a lifeline for activists and citizens in Iran, Uganda, and Nepal. This article dives into its rising popularity, technical limitations, and why it’s both a beacon of hope and a target for governments.

Why Is Bitchat Gaining Traction in Censored Regions?

Bitchat’s appeal lies in its offline functionality. Unlike WhatsApp or iMessage, it operates via Bluetooth, bypassing the need for an internet connection. In Uganda, where the government imposed a total internet blackout on January 13, 2026, ahead of elections, downloads skyrocketed to 28,000, per Apptopia. Opposition leader Bobi Wine even urged supporters on X (formerly Twitter) to "download Bitchat now" to evade censorship. Similar spikes were seen in Iran (where usage tripled during protests) and Nepal (during anti-corruption demonstrations in September 2025).

How Does Bitchat Compare to Other Decentralized Messaging Apps?

While Bitchat offers resilience, it’s not without flaws. Security researchers at Royal Holloway, University of London, previously exposed vulnerabilities in Bridgefy—a similar app used in Hong Kong and Belarus—revealing risks like message interception and fake user impersonation. Bitchat, though newer, hasn’t yet matched the cryptographic rigor of apps like Olvid or SimpleX Chat. As Uganda’s Communications Commission warned: "We know how to RENDER it ineffective. Don’t overestimate Bitchat—it’s just a small tool."

What Are the Risks of Relying on Bitchat?

Decentralized doesn’t always mean secure. Bitchat’s protocol, while innovative, may lack end-to-end encryption, leaving users exposed to surveillance. For activists, this trade-off between accessibility and safety is stark. As one Ugandan tech analyst quipped, "It’s like choosing between shouting in a locked room or whispering in a crowded square—both have consequences."

Could Cryptocurrencies Play a Role in Circumventing Censorship?

Interestingly, Reuters notes parallel surges in crypto adoption during blackouts, as seen in Iran’s 2023 protests. Platforms like BTCC (a cryptocurrency exchange) reported increased trading volumes in privacy coins like Monero during Uganda’s shutdown. However, crypto’s volatility remains a hurdle—imagine bartering with bitcoin while dodging tear gas.

FAQs: Bitchat and Digital Resistance

Is Bitchat truly anonymous?

No. While it avoids internet dependency, metadata like device IDs could still expose users. Always pair it with VPNs or Tor for added layers.

Why do governments struggle to block Bitchat?

Bluetooth’s peer-to-peer nature makes it harder to shut down than centralized servers. But localized jamming devices can disrupt connections.

Are there alternatives to Bitchat?

Yes—Briar (open-source, Android-only) and Session (blockchain-based) offer stronger encryption but require more technical know-how.