Downloads of the Bitchat messaging app surged in India following the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and the subsequent police baton charge on students. The app, which operates over a Bluetooth mesh network without requiring an internet connection, gained thousands of new users within days.
According to the report, India accounted for a significant share of the app's global downloads over the past 30 days, while discussions regarding government action related to the app have also continued.
Following the July 20 protest, Bitchat attracted increased attention because it enables users to send messages without an internet connection through Bluetooth mesh networking. As a result, downloads in India increased several-fold within a few days.
The report stated that by July 24, the app had recorded more than 120,000 downloads worldwide over the previous 30 days, with approximately 53 percent of those downloads coming from India.
Available data showed that Bitchat recorded 291 downloads in India on July 19. The figure rose to 946 on July 20 and continued to increase in the following days.
The app recorded 8,759 downloads on July 21, followed by 21,508 downloads on July 22 and 28,574 downloads on July 23. According to the report, India recorded approximately 65,435 downloads over the previous seven days, accounting for about 84 percent of the app's global downloads during that period. Over the past 30 days, the app recorded a total of approximately 65,462 downloads in India.
The app's ranking also improved alongside the increase in downloads. On Apple's App Store, Bitchat ranked 46th among social networking applications on July 20 and rose to seventh place by July 24.
On the Google Play Store, the app entered the rankings for the first time on July 22 and reached 23rd place in the communication category. According to the available data, approximately 76 percent of Bitchat downloads in India were made by Android users. The app was also reported to have more than 330,000 daily active users.
The app has also drawn attention over reported government action. According to reports, the Government of India directed GitHub to remove the app's source code. The order has been challenged by some individuals.
Bitchat founder and former Twitter (now X) Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey also commented on the issue. In a social media post, he indicated that the Government of India was not taking a favourable position toward Bitchat. However, no clarity has emerged on what decision will be taken in the matter.
Bitchat is a messaging application that uses Bluetooth Mesh Network technology, allowing devices within a limited range to connect via Bluetooth and exchange messages without mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Its functionality depends on the availability of Bluetooth-enabled devices and the distance between them. As a result, it is not considered a complete replacement for conventional internet-based messaging applications but is viewed as a communication tool that can be useful in specific situations.
