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Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat Surges Amid Uganda's Internet Shutdowns

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey launched an offline messaging app called Bitchat, which has over 28,000 downloads this year and is gaining traction in Uganda ahead of a contentious election.
Ugandan authorities have restricted internet access, citing misinformation concerns.
Amnesty International and other experts say such shutdowns violate human rights and often worsen misinformation.
In 2024, watchdogs reported 296 internet shutdowns across 54 countries, highlighting a troubling trend during political crises.

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Story summary

Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey launched an offline messaging app called Bitchat, which has over 28,000 downloads this year and is gaining traction in Uganda ahead of a contentious election.
Ugandan authorities have restricted internet access, citing misinformation concerns.
Amnesty International and other experts say such shutdowns violate human rights and often worsen misinformation.
In 2024, watchdogs reported 296 internet shutdowns across 54 countries, highlighting a troubling trend during political crises.