Discord To Bitchat, How Gen Z Protesters Used Tech During Nepal Protests

Bitchat surges in Nepal as Gen Z protesters pick PM on Discord, what is Bitchat and how it is used

In a strategic move, Nepal’s Gen Z protesters turned to Bitchat — a Bluetooth-based messaging app that works without mobile data or Wi-Fi — ensuring that even if the government attempted to stifle the movement through an internet blackout, their communication and cause would remain unaffected.

A graffiti in Nepal may find resonance in India

Nepal’s story is not one of failure but of unfulfilled promise.

Discord To Bitchat, How Gen Z Protesters Used Tech During Nepal Protests

Days before the protests, many had rushed to VPN services -- or virtual private networks -- to evade blocks on platforms.

Nepal social media ban lifted: Bitchat, Discord, TikTok see surge in use

During Nepal’s Gen Z protests, social media apps played a central role despite a nationwide ban. TikTok amplified anger through #NepoKids, Bitchat enabled offline coordination, and Discord hosted political debates among 145,000 users. After violent unrest and PM Oli’s resignation, Nepal lifted restrictions on 26 platforms.

The app that took down the Nepal government

Downloads of Jack Dorsey-backed Bluetooth P2P messaging app Bitchat spiked to 48K+ in Nepal during recent protests, according to Bitchat developer “callebtc”

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