In the wake of escalating protests in Madagascar, the decentralized messaging service Bitchat has experienced a notable surge in downloads. This increase comes as citizens seek secure communication channels amidst civil unrest triggered by ongoing power and water shortages. The publication provides the following information: the demand for privacy-focused applications is rising as people look for ways to communicate safely during turbulent times.
Protests in Antananarivo
Protests erupted on Thursday in the capital city of Antananarivo, where demonstrators clashed with police and reports of looting surfaced. The unrest has prompted the government to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew, and the energy minister has been dismissed in response to public outcry.
Growing Demand for Privacy
The rise in Bitchat downloads highlights a growing demand for privacy and security among protesters, mirroring similar patterns seen during recent demonstrations in:
- Nepal
- Indonesia
Decentralized Communication Tools
As the situation in Madagascar continues to unfold, the use of decentralized communication tools may play a crucial role in facilitating organization and information sharing among citizens.
As the debate surrounding privacy and surveillance intensifies, the cryptocurrency sector is also grappling with significant challenges, highlighted by the recent conviction of Braden John Karony for fraud and money laundering. This incident raises critical questions about accountability in decentralized finance, further emphasizing the need for vigilance in both innovations and risks within the industry. For more insights on this pressing issue, refer to our report on the matter here.
