Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Iran Protesters Use Bluetooth App to Bypass Internet Blackouts
In Iran, people are protesting against the government.
The government has been blocking the internet to stop people from sharing videos and messages about the protests.
To get around this, people are using an app called Bitchat.
This app uses Bluetooth, which doesn't need the internet to work.
The app was made by Jack Dorsey, who also helped create Twitter.
Since the protests started, more and more people in Iran are using Bitchat.
Even though there are other ways to get internet, like a service called Starlink, the government is trying to stop people from using it too.
Iranian protesters are using Bitchat, a Bluetooth-based messaging app, to bypass internet blackouts.
The app's use has more than tripled in the last couple of weeks.
Bitchat was developed by Jack Dorsey and does not require an active internet connection.
The Iranian government is cracking down on internet access and tracking people using Starlink to share protest videos.
SpaceX is offering free Starlink satellite service in Iran as an alternative.
- Who
- Iranian protesters and the Iranian government
- What
- Use of Bitchat app to bypass internet blackouts
- When
- In the last few weeks
- Where
- Iran
- Why
- To communicate and share information during protests and internet restrictions
- App Name
- Bitchat
- App Developer
- Jack Dorsey
- App Type
- Bluetooth-based messaging
- Platforms
- iOS and Android
- Usage Increase
- More than tripled in the last couple of weeks
- Internet Restriction
- Iranian government crackdown on internet access
- Alternative Service
- SpaceX's free Starlink satellite service