Bitchat has reportedly been taken down in China following regulatory orders from authorities, raising fresh concerns over digital platform compliance and internet controls in the country. However, the messaging platform remains accessible to users outside China, where services continue to operate normally.


China: Bitchat Taken Down Over Regulatory Orders | Still Available Outside China

The Nepal protests earlier this month brought attention to Bitchat, a decentralised messaging app launched by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey. The new kid on the chat world and launched only in July 2025, Bitchat played a crucial role in the Gen Z youth-led protests against government corruption, wealth inequality, and the September 4 ban on 26 major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube. The ban, targeting platforms failing to register with the government, backfired spectacularly, fuelling outrage and leading to violent clashes that resulted in the resignation of the then prime minister KP Oli. Bitchat was used by the young protesters as internet access became unreliable.<h2>Protesters dodged internet curbs using WiFi and adopting apps like Bitchat</h2>To dodge government curbs, protesters used VPNs, whose sign-ups soared 6,000 within days, as well as 'offline apps' like Bitchat. Bitchat saw explosive adoption — from about 3,300 downloads on September 4 to over 48,000 by September 9, up nearly 1,400 per cent. At the peak of the protests, Nepal became the largest user base of Bitchat worldwide, accounting for more than 38 per cent of global installs, according to reports in tech media.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-new-pm-vows-to-follow-protesters-demand-to-end-corruption-wion-1757854207357/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-new-pm-vows-to-follow-protesters-demand-to-end-corruption-wion-1757854207357/embed</a><h2>How Nepal Gen Z protesters used Bitchat</h2>The protesters reportedly used Bitchat — which does not need WiFi or internet access — to coordinate rallies, share real-time updates on police movements, and organise logistics. They discussed the political future of Nepal, including potential interim leaders like former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, who eventually took over. Bitchat was used along with other platforms like Discord, where over 145,000 users debated governance in so-called "digital parliaments."Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-discord-inside-the-chat-app-tied-to-nepals-gen-z-protests-and-charlie-kirk-case-1757753105495">What is Discord? Inside the chat app tied to Nepal’s Gen Z protests and Charlie Kirk case</a><h2>How the 'offline' capabilities of Bitchat work: A censorship-resistant design</h2>In practice, Bitchat became the 'freedom tech' for the movement, allowing communication to persist even as traditional social media networks were blocked or surveilled.&nbsp;Highlighting this, Dorsey said that Bitchat is "there when you need it," while emphasising in his X post the spikes of installs for the app in Nepal and Indonesia, another recent protest hotspot.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-lord-ram-s-birthplace-limpiyadhura-map-oli-issues-first-response-after-ouster-amid-nepal-protests-continues-anti-india-stance-1757517194596">'Lord Ram's birthplace, Limpiyadhura map': Oli issues first response after ouster amid Nepal protests, continues 'anti-India stance'</a><h2>How does Bitchat work without WiFi or the internet?</h2>Bitchat is among the so-called ‘decentralised internet’ apps and can function entirely offline.Its technology uses direct device-to-device communication as opposed to cellular networks, WiFi routers, or central servers.This is could make it an effective tool during protests, natural disasters, and in remote areas when traditional connectivity fails.There is no need for phone numbers, email, SIM cards, accounts, or personal data; users are anonymous by default. Here is a further breakdown on the technology of Bitchat:<h2>How Bluetooth activation and discovery of Bitchat works</h2>Bitchat works on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), a power-efficient version of Bluetooth designed for a typical range of 10–100 metres.&nbsp;It can connect with low battery drain.&nbsp;Bitchat automatically connects with fellow users and forms peer-to-peer (P2P) links without needing the internet.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-nepal-s-gen-z-will-financially-suffer-even-more-after-the-september-2025-revolution-1757584319437">Why Nepal’s Gen Z will financially suffer even more after the September 2025 revolution</a><h2>Mesh networking for message relay in Bitchat</h2>Bitchat uses "mesh networks," in which devices act as nodes in a web-like structure.&nbsp;Messages first go to nearby devices within BLE range and are then relayed or "hopped" through intermediate devices running Bitchat.This helps extend the range of messages to 300 metres or more in dense crowds, creating a dynamic, self-healing network. If one path fails, the message reroutes through others. Inspired by Bitcoin's P2P model and the Nostr protocol for censorship resistance, Bitchat is decentralised, meaning no single device controls it.<h2>Bitchat's 'store and forward' method of message delivery&nbsp;</h2>The "store-and-forward" model means messages in Bitchat aren't sent in real-time if the recipient is offline or out of range.The message is stored encrypted on intermediate devices until the recipient comes online or within range.&nbsp;Once delivered, messages can auto-delete (ephemeral by default) to enhance privacy.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-protest-death-toll-mounts-to-51-and-more-than-12-500-prisoners-are-still-on-the-run-police-1757662440026">Nepal protest death toll mounts to 51 and more than 12,500 prisoners are still on the run: Police</a><h2>Encryption and security of Bitchat</h2>Every message undergoes end-to-end (E2E) encryption before transmission. Only the sender and recipient hold the keys and no one else, including relays, can read it.&nbsp;Features like password-protected "rooms" - which are group chats with hashtags - &nbsp;add layers. A "panic mode", &nbsp;allowing triple-tap to wipe data, protects users in high-risk situations.&nbsp;There's no data collection, tracking, or server involvement, reducing surveillance risks, according to the makers of the app.In essence, Bitchat turns smartphones into local ad-hoc networks, like how radios or walkie-talkies are used for communication, while equipped with modern encryption and scalability.&nbsp;While not a full replacement for social media, it works best in hyper-local, resilient communication when density of users is high.&nbsp;

Bitchat, a brand new decentralised chat app, played a key role in Nepal's Gen Z-led protests by enabling secure, offline communication amid internet blackouts and social media bans. It allowed protesters to stay connected without WiFi, SIM cards, or servers. But how?

The Nepal protests earlier this month brought attention to Bitchat, a decentralised messaging app launched by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey. The new kid on the chat world and launched only in July 2025, Bitchat played a crucial role in the Gen Z youth-led protests against government corruption, wealth inequality, and the September 4 ban on 26 major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube. The ban, targeting platforms failing to register with the government, backfired spectacularly, fuelling outrage and leading to violent clashes that resulted in the resignation of the then prime minister KP Oli. Bitchat was used by the young protesters as internet access became unreliable. Protesters dodged internet curbs using WiFi and adopting apps like Bitchat To dodge government curbs, protesters used VPNs, whose sign-ups soared 6,000 within days, as well as 'offline apps' like Bitchat. Bitchat saw explosive adoption — from about 3,300 downloads on September 4 to over 48,000 by September 9, up nearly 1,400 per cent. At the peak of the protests, Nepal became the largest user base of Bitchat worldwide, accounting for more than 38 per cent of global installs, according to reports in tech media. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-new-pm-vows-to-follow-protesters-demand-to-end-corruption-wion-1757854207357/embed How Nepal Gen Z protesters used Bitchat The protesters reportedly used Bitchat — which does not need WiFi or internet access — to coordinate rallies, share real-time updates on police movements, and organise logistics. They discussed the political future of Nepal, including potential interim leaders like former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, who eventually took over. Bitchat was used along with other platforms like Discord, where over 145,000 users debated governance in so-called "digital parliaments." Also read: What is Discord? Inside the chat app tied to Nepal’s Gen Z protests and Charlie Kirk case How the 'offline' capabilities of Bitchat work: A censorship-resistant design In practice, Bitchat became the 'freedom tech' for the movement, allowing communication to persist even as traditional social media networks were blocked or surveilled. Highlighting this, Dorsey said that Bitchat is "there when you need it," while emphasising in his X post the spikes of installs for the app in Nepal and Indonesia, another recent protest hotspot. Also read: 'Lord Ram's birthplace, Limpiyadhura map': Oli issues first response after ouster amid Nepal protests, continues 'anti-India stance' How does Bitchat work without WiFi or the internet? Bitchat is among the so-called ‘decentralised internet’ apps and can function entirely offline. Its technology uses direct device-to-device communication as opposed to cellular networks, WiFi routers, or central servers. This is could make it an effective tool during protests, natural disasters, and in remote areas when traditional connectivity fails. There is no need for phone numbers, email, SIM cards, accounts, or personal data; users are anonymous by default. Here is a further breakdown on the technology of Bitchat: How Bluetooth activation and discovery of Bitchat works Bitchat works on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), a power-efficient version of Bluetooth designed for a typical range of 10–100 metres. It can connect with low battery drain. Bitchat automatically connects with fellow users and forms peer-to-peer (P2P) links without needing the internet. Also read: Why Nepal’s Gen Z will financially suffer even more after the September 2025 revolution Mesh networking for message relay in Bitchat Bitchat uses "mesh networks," in which devices act as nodes in a web-like structure. Messages first go to nearby devices within BLE range and are then relayed or "hopped" through intermediate devices running Bitchat. This helps extend the range of messages to 300 metres or more in dense crowds, creating a dynamic, self-healing network. If one path fails, the message reroutes through others. Inspired by Bitcoin's P2P model and the Nostr protocol for censorship resistance, Bitchat is decentralised, meaning no single device controls it. Bitchat's 'store and forward' method of message delivery The "store-and-forward" model means messages in Bitchat aren't sent in real-time if the recipient is offline or out of range. The message is stored encrypted on intermediate devices until the recipient comes online or within range. Once delivered, messages can auto-delete (ephemeral by default) to enhance privacy. Also read: Nepal protest death toll mounts to 51 and more than 12,500 prisoners are still on the run: Police Encryption and security of Bitchat Every message undergoes end-to-end (E2E) encryption before transmission. Only the sender and recipient hold the keys and no one else, including relays, can read it. Features like password-protected "rooms" - which are group chats with hashtags - add layers. A "panic mode", allowing triple-tap to wipe data, protects users in high-risk situations. There's no data collection, tracking, or server involvement, reducing surveillance risks, according to the makers of the app. In essence, Bitchat turns smartphones into local ad-hoc networks, like how radios or walkie-talkies are used for communication, while equipped with modern encryption and scalability. While not a full replacement for social media, it works best in hyper-local, resilient communication when density of users is high.

Bitchat, a brand new decentralised chat app, played a key role in Nepal's Gen Z-led protests by enabling secure, offline communication amid internet blackouts and social media bans. It allowed protesters to stay connected without WiFi, SIM cards, or servers. But how?

Bitchat in Nepal protests: App from Twitter founder Dorsey works without internet, helped Gen Z dodge social media ban, blackouts. How does it work?

Jack Dorsey, an ally of Elon Musk who once co-founded X with the Tesla CEO, has now launched a chatting app. What's special about it? The app does not need the internet! The application named Bitchat is the talk of the town in the tech world after its launch. Dorsey called the app his "weekend project". Taking to the social media platform X, tech mogul wrote, “My weekend project to learn about Bluetooth mesh networks, relays and store and forward models, message encryption models, and a few other things.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">my weekend project to learn about bluetooth mesh networks, relays and store and forward models, message encryption models, and a few other things. bitchat: bluetooth mesh chat...IRC vibes. TestFlight: <a href="https://t.co/P5zRRX0TB3">https://t.co/P5zRRX0TB3</a> GitHub: <a href="https://t.co/Yphb3Izm0P">https://t.co/Yphb3Izm0P</a> <a href="https://t.co/yxZxiMfMH2">pic.twitter.com/yxZxiMfMH2</a>&mdash; jack (@jack) <a href="https://twitter.com/jack/status/1941989435962212728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

What is Bitchat? All about it&nbsp;Bitchat is an offline texting app and does not require an internet connection. It runs using Bluetooth. This peer-to-peer messaging app is the best when you have a weak internet connection or no connection at all. &nbsp;&nbsp;The app allows devices to connect directly with each other over short distances. Bitchat does not require central servers, phone numbers, or internet or email addresses. The app automatically gets connected to the nearby devices using Bluetooth. In case the person is at a far distance, the message hops from one phone to another nearby phone until it reaches the intended person. This process is called mesh networking.&nbsp;Features of Bitchat&nbsp;1. &nbsp; &nbsp;Offline communication: Works without internet using Bluetooth mesh networking 2. &nbsp; &nbsp;End-to-end encryption: All messages are encrypted&nbsp; 3. &nbsp; &nbsp;Extended range: Messages relayed through peers, reaching up to 300 meters or 984 feet 4. &nbsp; &nbsp;Mention: Use @nickname to notify specific users 5. &nbsp; &nbsp;Rooms: Create rooms for topic-based conversations 6. &nbsp; &nbsp;Password rooms: Secure rooms with passwords and AES encryption 7. &nbsp; &nbsp;Privacy: No tracking, no servers, accounts or data collection&nbsp;Who can download?&nbsp;Bitchat is currently in the beta testing phase and is available to a limited number of iOS users through Apple's TestFlight platform. The developers are also working on the Android version.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bitchat is an offline texting app and does not require an internet connection. It runs using Bluetooth. This peer-to-peer messaging app is the best when you have a weak internet connection or no connection at all.  

Jack Dorsey, an ally of Elon Musk who once co-founded X with the Tesla CEO, has now launched a chatting app. What's special about it? The app does not need the internet! The application named Bitchat is the talk of the town in the tech world after its launch. Dorsey called the app his "weekend project". Taking to the social media platform X, tech mogul wrote, “My weekend project to learn about Bluetooth mesh networks, relays and store and forward models, message encryption models, and a few other things.”

Bitchat is an offline texting app and does not require an internet connection. It runs using Bluetooth. This peer-to-peer messaging app is the best when you have a weak internet connection or no connection at all. &nbsp;

Chatting without internet? Jack Dorsey's Bitchat might be next social media revolution. Here's how to install the offline app

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China: Bitchat Taken Down Over Regulatory Orders | Still Available Outside China

Bitchat in Nepal protests: How app from Twitter founder works without WiFi

Jack Dorsey's Bitchat to be next social media revolution? Here's how to install