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Bitchat, a decentralised messaging app that works without internet access, has recorded a rapid rise in adoption in Iran during a nationwide internet shutdown that began in early January 2026.
The peer-to-peer application was developed by Jack Dorsey and launched in mid-2025 with a focus on censorship-resistant communication without central servers, phone numbers or user accounts.
Bitchat operates through Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networking, allowing messages to pass directly between nearby devices and spread further as more users join.
The app can optionally connect to open internet protocols such as Nostr once connectivity is restored, enabling wider message distribution.
App analytics show more than 1.5 million aggregate installs and over 226,000 downloads in the past week, although country-level data has not been disclosed.
The surge follows widespread protests across all 31 Iranian provinces linked to economic pressure, currency devaluation, corruption claims and political discontent.
Authorities have reportedly restricted mobile networks, social media platforms and, in some areas, even landline services in response to the unrest.
Activists have promoted Bitchat as a tool for local coordination, sharing it directly via Bluetooth transfers and Android APK files.
The app’s end-to-end encryption and lack of personal data requirements have increased its appeal in high-surveillance environments.
Bitchat also allows offline transmission of bitcoin transaction data between peers, enabling users to prepare transfers during outages.
Developers have warned users about an unauthorised Bitchat clone circulating in Iran that could pose security and surveillance risks.
At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $90,461.47.