Bitchat developer responds to Uganda's ban threat: Decentralized mesh applications are difficult to censor

Source: Cryptonews Original Title: Bitchat dev mocks Uganda’s threat to block Jack Dorsey’s mesh app Original Link:

Background

Uganda Communications Commission Executive Director Nyombi Thembo claimed on Monday that the regulatory agency has the technical capability to disable the Bitchat app if necessary. This warning comes as the East African country prepares for a national election.

“We know how to make it non-functional,” Thembo stated, emphasizing the country’s strong technical expertise. “Don’t be fooled by Bitchat; it’s a trivial matter.”

Developer Response

A developer associated with Bitchat (username Calle) refuted this claim. According to internal data, Calle said over 400,000 Ugandans have downloaded the app.

“You can’t stop Bitchat. You can’t stop us,” Calle wrote on social media platform X, encouraging local developers to contribute open-source tools. “Free and open source. Unstoppable. By the people, for the people.”

App Features

Bitchat entered testing in July, operating without traditional internet infrastructure. The app uses a Bluetooth-based mesh network to relay encrypted messages between nearby devices, allowing communication even when mobile data or broadband services are unavailable.

The system has no central server and does not require phone numbers, email addresses, or user accounts.

Global Usage

The app’s usage has extended beyond Uganda. During protests in Nepal last September, amid a temporary social media ban, tens of thousands of users turned to Bitchat. Weeks later, Madagascar experienced a similar surge in downloads.

In November this year, during Hurricane Melisa, Bitchat became one of the most popular download apps in Jamaica, as connectivity disruptions prompted residents to seek alternative communication methods.

Political Context

Opposition leader Bobi Wine urged supporters to install the app last week as an emergency measure, citing previous internet shutdowns related to elections. Uganda has restricted online access during politically sensitive periods. In 2016, President Yoweri Museveni ordered a nationwide internet and social media shutdown citing security concerns. Similar four-day blackouts occurred during the 2021 election night.