Bitchat Mesh gains popularity in France

In France, the application Bitchat Mesh has climbed to the top of the "social networks" category and entered the top 10 overall applications. This rise comes despite the app being around since July 28, 2025, and has been growing in popularity amid recent social and political events.

How Bitchat Mesh works

Bitchat Mesh allows users to communicate without needing an account, phone number, email, or internet connection. It uses Bluetooth technology for local communication and can switch to the Nostr protocol when internet is available, enabling neighborhood or city-level chats.

Jack Dorsey's involvement

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, is behind Bitchat Mesh. He publicly discussed the app on X (formerly Twitter) in July 2025, explaining that he developed the base code over a weekend to explore meshed Bluetooth networks and related technologies.

Mesh network principles

In a mesh network, there is no central server or node. Each device acts as both a client and a server, connecting directly with nearby devices. Messages are relayed from phone to phone via Bluetooth Low Energy, allowing communication even without an internet connection.

History and global use

The concept of mesh networks is not new. Applications like FireChat were used in 2014 during protests in Hong Kong. Bitchat Mesh has seen increased downloads during internet outages in countries like Nepal, Jamaica, Uganda, and Iran. However, some governments have taken action, such as China and India, which have removed the app from their app stores.

Recent attention in France

The recent attention on Bitchat Mesh in France is linked to national protests against the high cost of living, which included looting and debates over internet restrictions. A former prime minister suggested a temporary block on social networks in affected areas, though the government has not confirmed such a move.

Limitations and user feedback

Bitchat Mesh has limitations, such as requiring others nearby to use the app and needing to be installed before an internet outage. Users have reported issues like high battery consumption and message delivery failures. The app has a 4.8 rating on the App Store in France but only 3.8 on Google Play.

Security and updates

The app’s source code is public, and it is in the public domain. Jack Dorsey initially acknowledged no external security audit had been done, but third-party audits were conducted in January 2026. The app is free and ad-free, supporting both iOS and Android devices, with recent updates in October for Android and July for iOS.