Nepal Protest Dem Spark Bitchat Surge After Social Media Ban

During nationwide anti-corruption protests for Nepal, government ban main platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X and YouTube for small time. In response, more than 48,000 users download Jack Dorsey’s peer-to-peer encrypted messaging app Bitchat through Bluetooth Mesh and Wi-Fi networking—this jump from 3,344 the week before. Bitchat dey decentralized and no get server design, e no need accounts or phone numbers at all. E fit allow communication wey no fit be banned when internet access dey limited or no steady. Security forces fire live bullets and tear gas for crowds wey dey protest corruption, nepotism, and small job opportunities, wey cause at least 19 deaths and many injured. After plenty wahala, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resign and social media ban lift. Many activists plan to keep Bitchat as backup tool to fight future shutdowns. This increase show say global demand dey grow for decentralized messaging solutions because many people dey fear censorship.