Bitchat Developer Pushes Back as Uganda Threatens Shutdown

[johnblockbuster]

One of the developers behind decentralized messaging app Bitchat has rejected claims by Ugandan authorities that the service can be blocked ahead of the country’s upcoming elections. Uganda Communications Commission executive director Nyombi Thembo said regulators had the technical ability to shut down the app, calling it “a small thing.”

Bitchat relies on Bluetooth mesh networking rather than the internet, allowing encrypted communication without centralized servers. Downloads surged after opposition leader Bobi Wine urged citizens to install the app in case of another government-imposed internet blackout.

[ed]

internet shutdowns really push ppl to get creative fast