Madagascar Turmoil Fuels Bitchat’s Offline Messaging Boom
In a striking development amidst escalating socio-political unrest in Madagascar, the offline messaging application, Bitchat, has experienced an unprecedented surge in downloads and user interest. The island nation's capital has been gripped by violent protests, fueled by persistent water and power shortages, leading to a critical need for alternative and resilient communication channels. This phenomenon underscores the vital role that decentralized communication technologies can play in environments characterized by infrastructural instability and potential information control. Madagascar’s Unrest and the Quest for Connectivity Madagascar has recently faced significant internal turmoil, with widespread demonstrations erupting in its capital due to chronic failures in essential public services. Reports indicate that prolonged blackouts and water scarcity ignited public frustration, leading to large-scale protests that subsequently turned violent. In response to looting and clashes, …
