NAIROBI, Kenya- As governments increasingly turn to internet shutdowns to curb dissent or control information flow, a little-known messaging app called Bitchat is emerging as a crucial communication tool for people cut off from the web.
The app has recently drawn global attention following reports of its use in Uganda and Iran, two countries that have experienced periodic restrictions on internet and social media access.
Bitchat is a Bluetooth-based peer-to-peer messaging app that allows users to communicate without internet, Wi-Fi, or mobile data.
Instead of relying on central servers, the app uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networking, enabling phones to connect directly to one another and relay messages across nearby devices.
The app was developed by Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter (now X) and CEO of Block Inc., as part of a broader push toward decentralised, censorship-resistant communication tools.
Bitchat does not require users to create accounts, provide phone numbers, or log in, a design choice that prioritises anonymity and privacy.
Bitchat operates by turning each phone into both a sender and a relay point. When a user sends a message, it travels via Bluetooth to nearby devices that have the app installed.
Those devices then pass the message along until it reaches its intended recipient.
If the recipient is not immediately reachable, the message can be stored temporarily and forwarded later when devices come within range.
Because it relies entirely on local connections, Bitchat remains functional during complete internet blackouts — a feature that has made it particularly attractive in politically sensitive environments.
Messages on the app are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only the sender and recipient can read them, even though they pass through multiple devices.
The platform also supports group chats and public channels, some of which can be password-protected.
Bitchat reportedly saw increased usage in Iran, where authorities have repeatedly restricted internet access during protests and periods of unrest.
In Uganda, where internet shutdowns and social media bans have accompanied election cycles, users have similarly turned to offline tools to stay connected.
The app’s decentralised nature makes it difficult to shut down through traditional means.
With no central servers to block, authorities would need to disable Bluetooth functionality altogether — a move that would disrupt many other essential phone services.
While Bitchat offers privacy and continuity of communication, its lack of central moderation means misinformation can spread easily, especially during high-tension moments.
Without verified sources or content oversight, users must rely heavily on trust within their networks.
Despite its promise, Bitchat has practical constraints. Bluetooth has a limited range, meaning messages depend on user density and physical proximity.
In sparsely populated areas, messages may travel slowly or not at all. Real-time communication is also not always guaranteed.
Additionally, the app is still considered experimental, with ongoing development and testing. Some features, such as background message relaying, may not function consistently across all devices.
