Bitchat messaging app surges in France amid protest unrest

The decentralized messaging application Bitchat has become the most downloaded app in France following widespread protests against the cost of living that began on October 17, 2026. The surge in interest follows discussions by French officials, including former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, regarding the potential temporary blocking of social media networks to prevent looting during civil unrest.

Developed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, Bitchat utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to create a mesh network. Unlike traditional services such as WhatsApp or Telegram, which require centralized servers and internet connectivity (4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi), Bitchat allows messages to travel from phone to phone. This architecture enables communication without mobile networks, internet access, or SIM cards, provided there is sufficient user density to maintain the digital web.

On Android, the application has surpassed one million downloads, while on iOS, it has held the top position in the social networking category since October 22. The platform's ability to operate offline and its lack of requirement for phone number registration have made it a preferred tool for users seeking to avoid potential network shutdowns.