Block CEO Jack Dorsey’s decentralized messaging service, Bitchat, sees a surge in downloads in Madagascar during protests. Google Trends shows a spike in searches for “Bitchat.” The app has been downloaded over 365,000 times since launch, with protests erupting over power and water cuts in Madagascar, leading to a curfew.

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries, with limited internet access for its population of 32 million. Only 6.6 million people had internet access in early 2025. Bitchat, launched by Dorsey in July, uses Bluetooth mesh networks for encrypted communication. It operates without central servers, accounts, or infrastructure dependencies.

The European Union is considering a “Chat Control” law to regulate encrypted messaging services like Telegram and WhatsApp. The proposal aims to allow regulators to screen messages before encryption. 15 EU countries support the law, but Germany’s vote is crucial. Crypto advocates predict users may shift to decentralized Web3 platforms for privacy.

Read more at Cointelegraph: Protests in Madagascar Spark Sharp Rise in Bitchat App Usage