Michaela
Jack Dorsey’s decentralized messaging platform Bitchat has seen a sharp rise in downloads across Madagascar, as demonstrators turn away from state-controlled communication channels during ongoing unrest.
Key points:
- Bitchat adoption surges in Madagascar as protesters reject state-controlled communications during violent demonstrations over water and electricity shortages.
- Global protest trend with similar spikes in downloads reported during recent protests in Nepal and Indonesia, spotlighting Bitchat’s growing role in unrest.
- Decentralized resilience with the app’s offline peer-to-peer design allowing encrypted messaging without internet or registration, making it harder for authorities to block.
Thousands of young demonstrators marched through Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, on Thursday, calling for the restoration of reliable water and electricity. The protests escalated as police fired tear gas to disperse crowds who blocked roads, looted malls and banks, and attacked homes linked to President Andry Rajoelina’s allies.
Google Trends data shows that searches for “Bitchat” surged in Antananarivo, jumping from negligible levels to peak interest as demonstrators turned to censorship-resistant messaging tools.
This is not the first time that protestors have sought out Bitchat’s censorship-resistant features. Earlier this month, protesting Nepalis also turned to the messaging platform amidst their government’s social media ban. Reports indicated that over 48,000 Nepalis downloaded the messaging app.
Bitcoin open-source developer “callebtc,” who is contributing to the Bitchat platform, noted that the app also saw a surge in downloads during nationwide protests in Indonesia, shortly before similar unrest in Nepal.
The rising appeal of Bitchat lies in its ability to function without traditional internet infrastructure. The peer-to-peer app relies on Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networks, enabling encrypted messages to hop between devices within a 30-meter radius.
Unlike conventional platforms, it requires no phone number, email, or registration, while securing communications with X25519 key exchange and AES-256-GCM encryption. Each device doubles as both client and server, forming self-organizing networks resistant to centralized shutdowns or single points of failure.
The rapid uptake of Bitchat in volatile regions reflects a broader global trend: communities under pressure are turning to decentralized tools that remove reliance on authorities, corporations, or fragile infrastructure.
Rather than simply connecting individuals, platforms like Bitchat are becoming instruments of resilience, offering a measure of autonomy when conventional channels break down. For many users, that independence is proving just as valuable as the messages being sent.
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Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
