Jamaicans have rushed to obtain Jack Dorsey’s decentralized peer-to-peer messaging app Bitchat because the deadly Hurricane Melissa continues to tear by way of the Caribbean.
Bitchat — which makes use of Bluetooth mesh networks for internet-free, encrypted communication — is now the second-most downloaded app on the Apple App Retailer and Google Play in Jamaica, providing a lifeline for two.8 million individuals as web protection continues to falter within the area.
Bitchat solely trails climate forecast platform Zoom Earth — indicating that two of Jamaican’s most simple wants proper now are to know what the climate is, and to speak with each other.
CNN reported on Wednesday that Hurricane Melissa has killed over 30 individuals within the Caribbean, together with not less than 23 in Haiti, whereas numerous properties and companies have been destroyed.
Till lately, adoption of decentralized, encrypted messaging apps has been pushed by customers leaving centralized communication platforms which will censor content material or impose different restrictions.
Nevertheless, Bitchat has since develop into a essential resolution for individuals in international locations the place web entry has been disrupted — whether or not as a consequence of authorities interference or pure disasters.
In September, Bitchat downloads rose in Nepal over authorities corruption and a social media ban that blocked Fb, Instagram, WhatsApp and YouTube, and triggered widespread protests. Downloads additionally rose in Indonesia every week earlier amid protests.
The same incident occurred in Madagascar later that month amid protests over ongoing water and energy cuts.
The European Union has additionally been mulling the controversial “Chat Management” legislation, which might eradicate encrypted messaging, forcing apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Sign to permit regulators to display messages earlier than they’re encrypted and despatched.
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The proposal, which goals to identify baby abuse materials, was transferring nearer towards passing in October earlier than Germany expressed opposition to it, arguing that the scanning of personal messages is unconstitutional.
The vote has now been postponed, with one other vote set for early December.
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