Over 48,000 Nepalese downloaded Block CEO Jack Dorsey’s peer-to-peer messaging app, bitchat, amidst violent protests against government corruption and a brief social media ban. This surge in downloads follows a similar trend seen in Indonesia, where downloads spiked during protests over corruption last week. In Nepal, downloads increased from fewer than 3,344 to 48,781 following the ban that restricted access to major social media platforms. The protests, led by youth against corrupt leadership, escalated to violence with parliamentary buildings set ablaze and fatalities reported. Allegations against former Prime Minister Oli include public fund misuse and lack of transparency, leading to his resignation. The incidents reflect a global trend as citizens increasingly seek decentralized messaging apps for privacy and protection from government censorship, particularly as the European Union moves towards stringent regulations on messaging services. Dorsey’s bitchat, launched just two months ago, utilizes Bluetooth mesh networks for secure, internet-free communication, aiming to be a strong alternative amidst growing concerns over privacy in centralized platforms.

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