French protesters use Bitchat app

For several weeks, hundreds of French protesters have been downloading Bitchat, a messaging application created in 2025 by Jack Dorsey, co-founder of X, formerly Twitter. This app allows users to exchange messages without internet or mobile network, by transmitting communications from phone to phone via Bluetooth.

How Bitchat works

Unlike other messaging apps from the Meta group such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal, the new application does not depend on a central server. It uses low-power Bluetooth to form a "mesh network." Specifically, each user who activates Bitchat becomes a relay, capable of transmitting messages to neighboring phones.

Range and efficiency

The direct range between two devices is estimated to be approximately 100 to 300 meters, but it increases with the density of users. The more users there are, the more efficient the speed and spread of messages become. A notable advantage in a demonstration or in an urban area already saturated by billions of communication waves and signals.

User-friendly features

The application requires no account, phone number, or email address. It even offers encrypted private messages, public channels, and discussion rooms. A valuable tool in the case of a social event or major disaster.

Adoption in other countries

Indonesia, Madagascar, India, Uganda, before France: Bitchat had already been adopted in several countries affected by digital restrictions. The messaging app was used during demonstrations or government-imposed internet shutdowns.

Popularity in repressed regions

In Iran, a country facing generalized outages and strong online repression, it has become a daily communication tool for many citizens, as much as a mobilization tool. In Nepal, Bitchat was downloaded more than 50,000 times in a single day at the beginning of the "Gen Z" demonstrations in September 2025.

Bitchat in France

A parade against the prohibition of social networks in France? First application of the "Social Networks" category on the French App Store since the mobilization on October 17, 2026: Bitchat has even entered the top 10 general list of free applications. More and more French people are connecting.

Preparation for protests

Calls had circulated before the demonstrations on October 24, as political officials mentioned temporary social media shutdowns in areas of unrest. The national outage of the Orange network on October 21 reinforced the importance of a "backup solution." Over 700 Bitchat users are online in the France geohash.

Limitations of Bitchat

A messaging app closely monitored by governments around the world. But Bitchat is not a magical solution. Its strength lies in the collective: without a sufficient number of nearby users with Bluetooth activated, messages cannot circulate.

Regulatory and security issues

Its real reach therefore depends heavily on the density of the crowd and the environment. Moreover, the messaging app without Wi-Fi is subject to state restrictions. In India, Apple and Google removed it from their stores after a request from the government. Bitchat is no longer available in the Chinese App Store either.

Security concerns

Finally, like any communication tool, it does not guarantee complete anonymity or absolute security: its effectiveness depends on proper use, devices, and context. A user "infiltrated" can connect to Bluetooth and bypass or divert information.