Bitchat experiences a surge in adoption across Iran amid the nationwide internet shutdown

Overview of Bitchat

Bitchat is a decentralized, peer‑to‑peer messaging platform that functions without an internet connection.

Surge in Adoption During Iran's Internet Blackout

When Iran entered a nationwide internet shutdown in early January 2026, the app saw a sharp rise in users, especially amid ongoing protests.

Developer

The application was developed by Jack Dorsey, the co‑founder of Twitter.