Jack Dorsey’s decentralized messaging app Bitchat has recorded a surge in Madagascar following the ongoing protests over water and power shortages. The ongoing demonstrations arose on Thursday last week, accompanied by the dismissal of the energy minister and an imposed dusk-to-dawn curfew. Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging app, has seen increased downloads following protests in Madagascar. The U.S. Embassy in Madagascar shared a demonstration alert message as demonstrators clashed with police and looted. The government responded by sacking the energy minister and imposing a dusk-to-dawn curfew to quell unrest. Bitchat search hit pick popularity amid unrest in Madagascar According to Google Trends data, Bitchat searches increased from 0 to 100 on Friday, with Antananarivo, the capital city, leading search activity. The data highlighted queries such as Bitchat download and how to use Bitchat, among the top five related searches flagged as related topics.  Chrome-Stats showed that Bitchat had been downloaded 365,307 times since the beta launch in July, with 21,000+ downloads in the past 24 hours and more than 71,000 in the past week. Google Trends specified regional breakdowns highlighting that Madagascar was the main driver of the latest surge. Bitchat has been designed to enable peer-to-peer communication via Bluetooth mesh networks. It allows users to exchange messages without internet access or centralized servers. It also does not require an account, email address, or phone number, making it the preferred solution for avoiding monitored networks.  In early September, Bitchat downloads skyrocketed in Nepal after the government banned at least 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, due to widespread protests over corruption. Downloads for the application jumped from 3,300 to 48,000 in just a week, making the app the primary coordinator for protestors. At least 34 people died in the Nepal demonstration crisis, with the resignation of the country’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli following.  Indonesia also saw a surge in Bitchat app downloads during the protests against parliamentary allowances earlier this month. More than 11,000 downloads were recorded. Citizens opted for the app to avoid being monitored while coordinating the demonstrations. Madagascar has low internet penetration, further increasing the need for a decent offline application in times of crisis. DataReportal showed that the country has nearly 32 million people, but only about 6.6 million had access to the internet by the start of 2025. At least 18 million devices had active mobile connections, but many only utilized voice and SMS services without internet access. Bitchat’s Bluetooth mesh functionality allowed users within a 300-meter radius to communicate, offering a rare opportunity in areas with limited network coverage.  Privacy-focused and censorship-free technologies continue to gain adoption, especially in areas experiencing physical unrest. Such decentralized platforms offer alternative communication tools when access to Mainstreet social media or mobile internet is restricted.  Crypto advocates say EU bill could drive adoption of decentralized tools Regulatory efforts in other parts of the world have raised concerns over tools with similar features to Bitchat. In the European region, a Chat Control bill has been proposed seeking to mandate pre-encryption scanning of messages. The law would undermine encrypted messaging, requiring platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal to allow regulators to scan messages before they are encrypted and sent. Diode CEO Hans Rempel and Brickken’s Elisenda Fabrega, a crypto advocate, have predicted that the proposal may point users towards decentralized Web3 platforms designed for privacy by default.   Currently, the bill has support from 15 EU member states, which is still lower than the 65% population threshold required to pass it into the next stage. Germany, holding the pivot role, has yet to decide on the law; if the country votes in favor, the bill is expected to pass, while the opposite may see the bill fail.  Bitchat’s adoption in Madagascar’s protest, Indonesia, and Nepal has highlighted how quickly decentralized communication tools may gain adoption in unstable environments.  If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter.Jack Dorsey’s decentralized messaging app Bitchat has recorded a surge in Madagascar following the ongoing protests over water and power shortages. The ongoing demonstrations arose on Thursday last week, accompanied by the dismissal of the energy minister and an imposed dusk-to-dawn curfew. Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging app, has seen increased downloads following protests in Madagascar. The U.S. Embassy in Madagascar shared a demonstration alert message as demonstrators clashed with police and looted. The government responded by sacking the energy minister and imposing a dusk-to-dawn curfew to quell unrest. Bitchat search hit pick popularity amid unrest in Madagascar According to Google Trends data, Bitchat searches increased from 0 to 100 on Friday, with Antananarivo, the capital city, leading search activity. The data highlighted queries such as Bitchat download and how to use Bitchat, among the top five related searches flagged as related topics.  Chrome-Stats showed that Bitchat had been downloaded 365,307 times since the beta launch in July, with 21,000+ downloads in the past 24 hours and more than 71,000 in the past week. Google Trends specified regional breakdowns highlighting that Madagascar was the main driver of the latest surge. Bitchat has been designed to enable peer-to-peer communication via Bluetooth mesh networks. It allows users to exchange messages without internet access or centralized servers. It also does not require an account, email address, or phone number, making it the preferred solution for avoiding monitored networks.  In early September, Bitchat downloads skyrocketed in Nepal after the government banned at least 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, due to widespread protests over corruption. Downloads for the application jumped from 3,300 to 48,000 in just a week, making the app the primary coordinator for protestors. At least 34 people died in the Nepal demonstration crisis, with the resignation of the country’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli following.  Indonesia also saw a surge in Bitchat app downloads during the protests against parliamentary allowances earlier this month. More than 11,000 downloads were recorded. Citizens opted for the app to avoid being monitored while coordinating the demonstrations. Madagascar has low internet penetration, further increasing the need for a decent offline application in times of crisis. DataReportal showed that the country has nearly 32 million people, but only about 6.6 million had access to the internet by the start of 2025. At least 18 million devices had active mobile connections, but many only utilized voice and SMS services without internet access. Bitchat’s Bluetooth mesh functionality allowed users within a 300-meter radius to communicate, offering a rare opportunity in areas with limited network coverage.  Privacy-focused and censorship-free technologies continue to gain adoption, especially in areas experiencing physical unrest. Such decentralized platforms offer alternative communication tools when access to Mainstreet social media or mobile internet is restricted.  Crypto advocates say EU bill could drive adoption of decentralized tools Regulatory efforts in other parts of the world have raised concerns over tools with similar features to Bitchat. In the European region, a Chat Control bill has been proposed seeking to mandate pre-encryption scanning of messages. The law would undermine encrypted messaging, requiring platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal to allow regulators to scan messages before they are encrypted and sent. Diode CEO Hans Rempel and Brickken’s Elisenda Fabrega, a crypto advocate, have predicted that the proposal may point users towards decentralized Web3 platforms designed for privacy by default.   Currently, the bill has support from 15 EU member states, which is still lower than the 65% population threshold required to pass it into the next stage. Germany, holding the pivot role, has yet to decide on the law; if the country votes in favor, the bill is expected to pass, while the opposite may see the bill fail.  Bitchat’s adoption in Madagascar’s protest, Indonesia, and Nepal has highlighted how quickly decentralized communication tools may gain adoption in unstable environments.  If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter.

        Highlights:  Pakistan is considering a digital rupee and CBDC to cut remittance costs. The crypto market in Pakistan could unlock $25B in new economic growth. The CBDC pilot phase is in development with World Bank and IMF support.  Pakistan is moving forward with plans to integrate blockchain technology into its financial system. The nation is considering introducing a rupee-backed stablecoin and central bank digital currency (CBDC). The objectives of these efforts are to reduce remittance costs, modernize access to finances, and promote economic growth. At the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Conference, leading financial authorities outlined the massive growth potential of crypto. They estimate Pakistanis holding up to $30 billion in crypto holdings. The annual crypto trading might soon reach $300 billion, which is nearly equivalent to the total GDP of the country. Zafar Masud, the president of the Pakistan Banks Association, pointed out the booming global stablecoin market. According to him, the nation is capable of exploiting $20-25 billion in the adoption of digital assets. He confirmed that Pakistan is “actively exploring a rupee-backed stablecoin” to increase access and efficiency. A digital rupee would enhance secure cross-border payment and financial inclusion. More than 100 million Pakistani adults are still unbanked, and the innovation is a pressing case.  Pakistan Considers Rupee-Backed Stablecoin Amid $25B Loss Warnings  Pakistani regulators are actively exploring the development of a sovereign-backed digital currency amid growing recognition of the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies and bloc…https://t.co/CVr2s8UeoU pic.twitter.com/Fma8WTIGP3 — Crypto Breaking News (@CryptoBreakNews) November 8, 2025  CBDC Prototype Underway The State Bank of Pakistan is proceeding with the development of its digital currency. Faisal Mazhar, the Deputy Director of Payments, revealed that a prototype of CBDC is underway. Additionally, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund are assisting this initiative. He further added that there would be a pilot phase before the full rollout of the currency. The CBDC is expected to make remittances cheaper and financial services more accessible across the country. According to the global specialist Yara Wu, such technology would make remittances faster, secure, and cheaper. Sajid Amin of SDPI emphasized the necessity of having proper regulation. He noted the relevance of cybersecurity, digital literacy, and risk management to safeguard consumers and investors. Fintech Innovation Fuels Growth The fintech industry in Pakistan is also on the rise. ZAR, a start-up that provides dollar-backed stablecoins, recently raised $12.9 million. Top investors, such as Andreessen Horowitz, Coinbase Ventures, and Dragonfly Capital, were the source of funding.  ZAR has raised $12.9 million to bring ROCK. SOLID. DOLLARS. to the Global South  Led by @a16zcrypto, with @dragonfly_xyz, @vaneck_us, @cbVentures, and Endeavor Catalyst.  pic.twitter.com/0DKOlWMwSO — ZAR (@zardotapp) October 28, 2025  ZAR is dedicated to making stablecoins accessible to underserved populations in Pakistan. Their mission focuses on bridging the financial gap in emerging markets. Moreover, the firm is seeking to assist millions of people who have yet to access traditional banking services. In addition, this move matches government-led digital finance initiatives. The increased adoption is a positive sign of increasing cryptocurrency interest in Pakistan. Pakistan moved to the third position globally in the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index by Chainalysis. To build further on this momentum, Pakistan established a regulatory framework regarding virtual asset services. Licensing and supervision are being managed by the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA). Firms have to comply with stringent compliance criteria under the Virtual Assets Ordinance 2025. These include the anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC), and counter-terrorism financing measures. This goal is to create a regulated, safe digital economy. Furthermore, PVARA also encouraged international crypto exchanges and service providers to apply for licenses in September.    eToro Platform    Best Crypto Exchange   Over 90 top cryptos to trade Regulated by top-tier entities User-friendly trading app 30+ million users    9.9   Visit eToro eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.