On December 31, 2025 Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine posted on his social media encouraging the use of the free messaging app ‘Bitchat’ which doesn’t need internet connection, this is amidst rising tensions ahead of their presidential election. Uganda has a history of internet restrictions during national elections. These internet blackouts prove to be a disadvantage for the opposition who rely on the internet to gather support and fight for their causes.     

‘Bitchat’ is the latest project of former Twitter (now X) co-founder Jack Dorsey. Announced back in July of last year, ‘Bitchat’ is a free messaging app which utilizes bluetooth to send messages among nearby users without the need for an internet connection. Bitchat operates via Bluetooth mesh networks, which allows nearby devices of up to 300 meters (980 ft.) to send messages. 

We need not look far to see the potential of Bitchat–according to CloudMosa’s 2025 B-Gap Barometer report 26% of Filipinos are still unable to access the internet. While reasons for these have been linked to affordability more than infrastructure, having an alternative means to send messages which does not require the internet can mean life or death especially during times of natural calamities –with the Philippines seeing about approximately twenty tropical cyclones every year.

Dorsey’s white paper (informational document to highlight the features of a product or service) which he published on his Github page, says that “Bitchat addresses the need for resilient, private communication that doesn’t depend on centralized infrastructure,” and that “it is designed for scenarios where internet connectivity is unavailable –such as protests, natural disasters, or (in) remote areas.” 

You wouldn’t need to wait for a typhoon to use Bitchat, even just being in crowded venues and events like concerts and conventions where the internet can be challenging can be an opportunity to use the messaging app. 

In a world where the internet has become integral in our daily lives, having to navigate without it may seem unthinkable for some. But when the situations do arise-it could be finding yourself in a location with little to no internet service, it could be while you are in the middle of a crowded venue, or in worse situations like political upheavals and natural disasters; having an alternative way to send important messages can make all the difference.