Summary
Around the world, activists are using new communication networks to overcome government censorship and internet shutdowns during protests. These decentralized systems allow protesters to organize and communicate without relying on traditional internet platforms, making it harder for governments to control or disrupt their activities.
Key Facts
- Activists globally are creating networks to bypass government censorship and internet shutdowns.
- In September 2025, Nepal blocked 26 major social media platforms to reduce unrest.
- Nepalese protesters used tools like Discord to organize online, avoiding government crackdowns.
- The U.S. '50501' movement coordinated over 700 protests using decentralized communication channels.
- Decentralized systems like Pocket Network keep communications functioning despite attempts to disrupt them.
- In Madagascar, protesters used a Bluetooth-based mesh network, Bitchat, to communicate without internet.
- Decentralized communication makes it difficult for governments to censor or shut down protest activities.
