Ugandan Internet Shutdown During Election Period, Offline Communication App Bitchat Tops Local App Download Charts

Odaily According to reports, as the Ugandan government cut off nationwide internet access during the presidential election, the encrypted communication app Bitchat has become one of the most downloaded apps locally. The Uganda Communications Commission confirmed that the internet shutdown measure took effect at 6 PM local time on Tuesday and will continue to be implemented throughout the election period.

The report points out that Bitchat relies on Bluetooth Mesh networks to enable encrypted communication without the internet and has simultaneously topped the download charts on both Apple App Store and Google Play in Uganda. Meanwhile, several VPN apps also ranked high in downloads, indicating a significant increase in local demand for information access on the eve of the election.

The Ugandan government stated that the internet shutdown aims to prevent the spread of online misinformation during the election. However, opponents argue that this move may restrict the flow of election-related information. The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission had previously stated that there would be no internet shutdown, but the measure was ultimately implemented. It was disclosed that as of early January, Bitchat had been downloaded by over 400,000 users in Uganda.

This marks the third consecutive time Uganda has implemented a nationwide internet shutdown during a presidential election. Similar measures were taken during the 2016 and 2021 elections. The report also mentioned that Bitchat has been widely used in recent years in various countries facing internet restrictions or during sudden disasters, gradually becoming an alternative communication tool in environments with internet blackouts. (Cointelegraph)