Bitchat hits #2 on app charts in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa strikes
Analysis
Price Impact
LowWhile bitchat's surge highlights the real-world utility and demand for decentralized technologies, particularly in crisis, it's an application and not a cryptocurrency token itself. its direct impact on btc or other crypto prices is negligible, though it reinforces a bullish long-term narrative for decentralized solutions.
Trustworthiness
HighThe report is from cointelegraph, a reputable crypto news source, citing appfigure data for app rankings and cnn for hurricane details, indicating factual accuracy of the event.
Price Direction
NeutralThe news demonstrates a growing real-world use case for decentralized services. while positive for the broader decentralized ecosystem, it doesn't present a direct catalyst for short-term price movements of specific cryptocurrencies. it's more of a fundamental validation for the underlying philosophy.
Time Effect
LongIncreased adoption of decentralized applications due to critical needs during crises contributes to a long-term positive sentiment and understanding of the value proposition of decentralization, which could eventually, indirectly, benefit crypto adoption.
Original Article:
Article Content:
Brayden Lindrea 1 minute ago Bitchat hits #2 on app charts in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa strikes Downloads for decentralized messaging app Bitchat has surged in Jamaica as 185-mile-per-hour winds batter the Caribbean, cutting off communication. Listen 0:00 5 News COINTELEGRAPH IN YOUR SOCIAL FEED Jamaicans have rushed to download Jack Dorsey’s decentralized peer-to-peer messaging app Bitchat as the fatal Hurricane Melissa continues to rip through the Caribbean. Bitchat — which uses Bluetooth mesh networks for internet-free, encrypted communication — is now the second-most downloaded app on the Apple App Store and Google Play in Jamaica, offering a lifeline for 2.8 million people as internet coverage continues to falter in the region. Bitchat only trails weather forecast platform Zoom Earth — indicating that two of their most basic needs right now are to know what the weather is, and to communicate with one another. Bitchat’s ranking in the free section of the Apple App Store on Wednesday. Source: Appfigure CNN reported on Wednesday that Hurricane Melissa has killed over 30 people in the Caribbean, including at least 23 in Haiti, while countless homes and businesses have been destroyed. Until recently, adoption of decentralized, encrypted messaging apps has been driven by users leaving centralized communication platforms that may censor content or impose other restrictions. However, Bitchat has since become a critical solution for people in countries where internet access has been disrupted — whether due to government interference or natural disasters. Source: Calle In September, Bitchat downloads rose in Nepal over government corruption and a social media ban — blocking Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube, and triggering widespread protests. Downloads also rose in Indonesia a week earlier amid protests. A similar incident occurred in Madagascar later that month amid protests over ongoing water and power cuts. The European Union has also been mulling the controversial “Chat Control” law, which would eliminate encrypted messaging, forcing apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal to allow regulators to screen messages before they are encrypted and sent. Related: Saylor says Bitcoin can surge to $150K by the end of 2025 The proposal, which aims to spot child abuse material, was moving closer toward passing in October before Germany expressed opposition to it, arguing that the scanning of private messages is unconstitutional. The vote has now been postponed, with another vote set for early December. Magazine: Mysterious Mr Nakamoto author: Finding Satoshi would hurt Bitcoin # Apple # App Store # Google # Adoption # Messaging App # Jamaica # Jack Dorsey Add reaction