Over 48,000 Nepalese people downloaded Block CEO Jack Dorsey’s peer-to-peer messaging app, bitchat, amid violent protests over corruption and a social media ban. Indonesia also saw an uptick in downloads during corruption-related protests. Nepal had 48,781 downloads compared to Indonesia’s 11,324. Source: Callebtc

Nepal’s sharp rise in bitchat downloads was due to a short-lived social media ban, sparking Gen Z-led protests resulting in 19 deaths. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli faced corruption allegations and resigned. The protests led to security forces using live fire and tear gas. Source: Anonymous

Citizens in Nepal and Indonesia are turning to decentralized, encrypted messaging apps to protect against government surveillance. The EU is close to passing a law that would eliminate encrypted messaging services. Popular centralized platforms like Messenger and WhatsApp are operated by Meta, a profit-driven corporation. Source: Cointelegraph

Jack Dorsey’s bitchat, launched in July, uses Bluetooth mesh networks for encrypted communication. The network is fully decentralized with no central servers or infrastructure dependencies. Other messaging apps like Signal and Session are also attracting users seeking more secure alternatives. Source: Jack Dorsey

Decentralized, encrypted messaging apps like bitchat still have a long way to go to compete with social media giants like Meta, which saw 3.48 billion average daily users across its applications in June. The figure marked a 6% year-on-year increase, showing continued momentum for Meta. Source: Cointelegraph

Read more at Cointelegraph: 48,781 Nepalis Download Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat Amid Social Media Ban