Technology Fuels Nepal’s Gen Z Protests
Nepal’s recent political upheaval has a surprising digital hero—Bitchat, a Bluetooth-based messaging app that lets users communicate without internet or mobile data. When the government imposed a ban on Facebook, YouTube, and other popular apps, the youth found a way to keep their movement alive through technology that transcends traditional networks. This offline app, combined with VPNs and platforms like Discord, played a pivotal role in organizing protests, choosing interim leaders, and bypassing censorship.
What Is Bitchat?
Launched in July 2025 by Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter and Block, Bitchat is a decentralized messaging platform that works by using Bluetooth rather than Wi-Fi or mobile networks. It creates a mesh network, meaning messages can “hop” from one device to another until they reach their intended recipient, even if they are not nearby. The app provides end-to-end encrypted communication without requiring phone numbers, servers, or internet access, making it a powerful tool against censorship and internet blackouts.
Why Bitchat Became the Protesters’ Lifeline
As protests erupted and the Nepali government shut down access to major social media platforms, protesters turned to Bitchat to coordinate safely and privately. Unlike WhatsApp or Telegram, Bitchat doesn’t rely on centralized servers or SIM cards, allowing protesters to maintain their communications in a network resilient to internet shutdowns. Its offline functionality was particularly valuable in Kathmandu’s mountainous terrain, where consistent internet access is often a challenge.
Protesters and Digital Resistance
The roots of the uprising trace back to persistent dissatisfaction voiced on social media, especially Instagram posts criticizing the political elite’s lavish lifestyles. The hashtag #NepoKids went viral, and almost overnight, political unrest escalated into violent protests. Despite the government’s efforts to suppress communication by banning apps, technologies like Bitchat, VPNs, and Discord kept the movement connected and active.
Discord as the Protest’s Digital Assembly
Away from the streets, young activists used Discord as an online forum to debate and decide next steps, gather political consensus, and even discuss potential interim leaders for Nepal’s government. One channel alone reportedly attracted 145,000 members, showcasing the scale and seriousness of this digital grassroots effort.
The Role of VPNs and Other Technologies
Thousands of Nepali youths downloaded VPN applications to circumvent government firewalls and restrictions, ensuring continued access to blocked content. Alongside this, Bitchat’s flood of downloads spiked by over 1,400%, underscoring the urgency for offline communication tools during political crises.
Impact and Significance
The Nepal protests highlight how modern tools empower grassroots movements in unprecedented ways. By combining encrypted offline chat, mesh networking, VPN evasion, and mass social media campaigns, Nepal’s Gen Z has orchestrated a political upheaval resistant to suppression.
This case signals how decentralized technologies are shaping the future of activism worldwide, championing freedom of expression even in the face of authoritarian crackdowns.