Users choose alternatives during internet outagesIn January 2026, Iranian authorities implemented a nationwide internet shutdown amid growing protests and civil unrest. This restriction remains in place due to ongoing conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. Despite the ban, residents access the network via Starlink — a satellite communication system. For communication, they also use the BitChat app, which operates on Bluetooth and creates a mesh network between devices. Each device in such a network becomes a data relay node, allowing message exchange without internet or satellite systems. A similar surge in BitChat downloads occurred in Nepal in September 2025 after a ban on social media during protests. The app was installed more than 48,000 times in a week, and in the same month, the country's government was overthrown by demonstrators. A comparable increase in downloads was recorded in Madagascar during periods of political unrest.#GateSquareAprilPostingChallenge