Bitchat serves as an alternative in countries with internet blackouts

The Bitchat app stands out during internet blackouts

The Bitchat app has gained prominence in countries like Uganda and Iran, which are facing internet blackouts imposed by their governments. With increasing censorship, Bitchat has become a viable alternative for communication, especially during intense political crises.

Blackouts in Uganda and the surge in downloads

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the Ugandan government cut off internet access ahead of the presidential elections at the request of President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986. This decision aimed to prevent the spread of false news and control communication during the voting process.

The opposition candidate, Bob Wine, warned about the possibility of internet cuts. Consequently, Bitchat became the most downloaded app in the country’s stores, with a fourfold increase in downloads compared to previous months, according to data from Apptopia.

Furthermore, the authorities' difficulty in blocking the platform without drastic confiscations was notable. The app is powered by Bluetooth technology, which is less susceptible to government interference.

Bitchat in Iran during protests

The scenario is similar in Iran, where protests against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have resulted in frequent internet cuts. To circumvent these restrictions, the population has started using Bitchat, leading to a threefold increase in app downloads in the last month, according to conducted surveys.

Functioning and features of Bitchat

Bitchat differentiates itself from popular apps like WhatsApp and Telegram by using Bluetooth for message exchange, which eliminates the need for a connection to central servers. This method makes the use of the app a favorable option in environments lacking connectivity.

Despite its average range of 100 meters between nearby devices, the technology allows the network to be expanded through other connected phones, reaching up to 300 meters. Recent updates also include the ability to send photos and audio messages.

Future perspectives

The success of Bitchat highlights the growing need for communication solutions independent of the internet in contexts of government censorship. As more countries frequently control internet access, the development of resilient technologies continues to be crucial for global freedom of expression.