Massive Spike in Users: News outlets report that BitChat downloads surged by over 400,000 in a matter of days following the blackout that began around January 8, 2026. Usage is estimated to have jumped more than three times its previous levels.
The blackout was imposed to suppress nationwide protests that erupted in late December 2025 over economic conditions. With international internet traffic cut to nearly 1%, offline tools like BitChat and satellite options (like Starlink terminals) became the only means of coordination.
The blackout was imposed to suppress nationwide protests that erupted in late December 2025 over economic conditions. With international internet traffic cut to nearly 1%, offline tools like BitChat and satellite options (like Starlink terminals) became the only means of coordination.