Indian Government Orders GitHub to Remove Bluetooth-Based Chat App Bitchat

Government Order Issued

The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), a division of the Home Ministry, has instructed Microsoft subsidiary GitHub to take down the Bluetooth-based messaging application Bitchat. This directive was confirmed by Jack Dorsey, the app's developer and former Twitter CEO, who shared a copy of the notice dated July 23, 2026, in an X post on July 24, 2026.

Reasons for Removal

I4C stated that Bitchat enables communication even when network restrictions are in place, creating a significant risk of misuse. The notice specifically mentioned potential exploitation by 'anti-national elements, terrorist organizations, organized criminal groups, and cyber criminals' seeking to evade detection and maintain communication despite legally imposed restrictions. The I4C identified multiple applications capable of decentralized peer-to-peer messaging over Bluetooth mesh networks, operating without reliance on mobile networks, internet connectivity, or centralized servers.

Technical Architecture and Concerns

The notice highlighted that Bitchat facilitates anonymous communication without mandatory user registration, phone number verification, or centralized logging of communications. This technical architecture, according to I4C, significantly hinders lawful interception, attribution, and investigation by law enforcement agencies. The government's concern stems from the app's ability to bypass traditional surveillance methods.

Context of the Order

This order follows observations of users at a protest organized by the Cockroach Janata Party at Jantar Mantar utilizing Bluetooth-based messaging apps after the government imposed temporary internet service restrictions around the protest site. I4C believes such platforms can be misused to evade surveillance, coordinate anonymously, and circumvent restrictions during public disorder, riots, terrorism, organized crime, or internet shutdowns.