Jack Dorsey’s decentralized messaging app, Bitchat, has seen a dramatic increase in downloads in Nepal and Indonesia amid social unrest and government crackdowns on social media. In Nepal, the app's downloads skyrocketed from 3,300 to over 48,000 in just a few days following a ban on major platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp. This ban aimed to quell unrest but instead drove users to adopt Bitchat for offline messaging, making it the app's largest user base worldwide. Similar trends were observed in Indonesia during protests against governmental corruption, with thousands utilizing Bitchat as confidence in traditional communication methods waned. Experts believe the rise of decentralized apps like Bitchat reflects a growing demand for autonomy in communication amid increasing government control. These apps are seen as essential tools for citizens seeking to challenge authority and advocate for better conditions amidst political turmoil.

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