Bitchat Downloads Surge 32x in India Amid Government Scrutiny

• Bitchat downloads in India jumped 32x as internet shutdowns accelerated user adoption.
• India generated 85% of Bitchat’s global downloads between July 17 and July 23.
• Government takedown efforts sparked debate over open-source software and digital rights.

Bitchat has recorded explosive growth in India after government efforts to restrict the offline messaging application triggered wider public attention. The app’s downloads increased sharply during recent internet shutdowns, while legal experts questioned the basis of authorities’ attempt to remove its open-source code from GitHub.

Internet Shutdowns Drive Bitchat Adoption Across India

Bitchat experienced remarkable growth in India as users increasingly sought communication tools that function without traditional internet connectivity during disruptions.

According to Sensor Tower data shared with TechCrunch, India accounted for approximately 85% of Bitchat’s global downloads between July 17 and July 23. Previously, the country represented only about 1% of worldwide downloads during the preceding thirty days.

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