Iran Protestors Use Bitcoin Tech to Bypass Internet Blackout

Protestors in Iran are utilizing Bitcoin-linked communication tools to bypass severe internet restrictions imposed by the Islamic Republic regime. Authorities have responded to recent protests with nationwide telecoms blackouts and satellite jamming. In response, demonstrators are embracing apps such as Bitchat, Noghteha, and Delta Chat.

Bitchat, developed by Bitcoin pioneers Jack Dorsey and Calle, operates via Bluetooth mesh networks and the Nostr protocol, requiring no internet connection. A localized fork called Noghteha, developed by Nariman Gharib, offers Persian language support and gained rapid popularity, recording over 70,000 downloads in three days. While Noghteha has been promoted by opposition channel Iran International, its closed-source nature has drawn security warnings from Bitchat co-creator Calle, who cites risks of spying and phishing. Despite these concerns, the apps demonstrate the resilience of freedom tech tools in high-stakes environments, allowing protestors to coordinate and communicate during the regime's crackdown.

The Islamic Republic has implemented severe measures to suppress coordination among demonstrators. These measures include a nationwide telecoms blackout and the jamming of satellite services like Starlink. The goal is to isolate protestors and prevent the organization of rallies.

Despite these efforts, Iranians are turning to freedom tech tools to maintain lines of communication. Three specific applications have emerged as vital resources:

• Bitchat: Built by Jack Dorsey and Calle.
• Noghteha: A fork of Bitchat adapted for Iran.
• Delta Chat: Another tool utilized for offline communication.

Two of these apps, Bitchat and Noghteha, trace their origins directly to the Bitcoin community, highlighting how technologies from this sector provide practical solutions in high-stakes environments.

Bitchat operates over Bluetooth mesh networks and the Nostr protocol. It does not require an internet connection, making it ideal for the current blackout conditions. The app first gained widespread attention when Jack Dorsey announced it on X on July 6, 2025, describing it as a weekend project.

In September, the app proved its utility during unrest in Nepal, where nearly 50,000 downloads occurred in a single day. This history established Bitchat as a reliable tool for protestors facing internet restrictions.

Noghteha is a closed-source fork of Bitchat, specifically adapted for the Iranian context. It features full Persian/Farsi support, an enhanced user interface, and features tailored to local needs. The app saw rapid adoption in the first week of January 2026. Before the full internet shutdown, Google Play recorded more than 70,000 downloads in just three days. Numbers likely increased through peer-to-peer sharing, sideloading, and Bluetooth transfers after the blackout began.

The developer of Noghteha, Nariman Gharib, released the app independently without government or private funding. However, the decision to make Noghteha closed-source has sparked debate regarding security and trust.

Ziya Sadr, a prominent Bitcoin researcher, explains the threat landscape: "The regime sets up phishing attacks, creates fake download links, and uses influencers on social media to misguide people into installing malicious versions of the same app."

To counter this, the Noghteha developer chose not to release the app as fully open-source. This was an attempt to distribute a secure version quickly before the regime could seed malicious alternatives. However, Calle, Bitchat’s co-creator, has raised alarms regarding this approach. He stated:

"full clone of our code but zero attribution or credit for our work. not open-source. the app could be spying on you without your knowledge. NEVER USE A CLOSED-SOURCE PRIVACY MESSENGER!"

Despite these warnings, reports from the ground indicate that Noghteha is being widely and successfully used by protestors to navigate the blackout.

The events in Iran demonstrate how innovations from the Bitcoin ecosystem adapt and thrive under pressure. These tools, rooted in cypherpunk principles of privacy through cryptography, offer real support to those navigating censorship and repression.

While the closed-source nature of Noghteha introduces risks, it also generates valuable lessons for future development. The interaction between Bitchat and Noghteha raises a critical question: Can openness be weaponized by a regime, and should developers adapt their strategies to counter information warfare?

Ultimately, the prominence of these technologies on the international stage highlights the importance of resilient, user-focused tools. As the situation evolves, the Bitcoin community's ability to provide practical solutions for maintaining communication and autonomy remains a vital resource for oppressed populations.