Power Cuts, Protests and a Search for Secure Messaging

[cryptoenthusiast]

Thousands of demonstrators clashed with police in Antananarivo last week over widespread power and water shortages. The crisis led to the sacking of Madagascar’s energy minister and the imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew.
With social media under strain, many residents have turned to Bitchat, which allows encrypted, internet-free messaging via Bluetooth mesh networks. Chrome-Stats shows the app has been downloaded more than 365,000 times since launch — over 21,000 in the last day alone — although regional breakdowns weren’t provided.

[Abdul Khan]

Madagascar’s unrest shows why apps like Bitchat gain traction—offline encrypted messaging becomes vital.

[Rimon Khan]

21K downloads in a single day highlights how fast people flock to alternatives during crises.