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Jack Dorsey's Bitchat Messaging App Removed from Indian App Stores by Government Order
Key points
- Bitchat removed from Apple and Google app stores in India.
- Indian government issued order under Section 69A of IT Act.
- App uses Bluetooth mesh for offline, encrypted messaging.
- Government previously ordered GitHub to remove Bitchat repositories.
App Store Removal in India
Bitchat, the decentralized messaging application developed by Jack Dorsey, is no longer available on Apple's App Store and Google Play in India. This removal follows a directive from the Indian government, specifically citing Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The app's website also became inaccessible across various internet service providers in the country.
Government's Stated Reasons
The Indian government's order, communicated through Apple, invoked Section 69A, which permits online blocking. Previously, in July 2026, Indian authorities had ordered GitHub to remove repositories associated with Bitchat. At that time, the government stated that Bitchat's architecture made it difficult for law enforcement to intercept communications or trace users, and noted its functionality during internet shutdowns.
Bitchat's Technology
Launched in July last year, Bitchat utilizes Bluetooth mesh networking. This technology enables nearby devices to exchange encrypted messages without requiring cellular networks, internet access, or centralized servers. This design allows the app to function even during internet outages.
Digital Rights Concerns
Digital rights advocates, including the Internet Freedom Foundation, have criticized the government's action, calling the latest order unconstitutional. They argue that Section 69A is intended for blocking unlawful information, not an entire messaging application based on its operational capabilities during internet shutdowns.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Bitchat, a decentralized messaging app, has been removed from Apple and Google app stores in India following an order from the Indian government. The government cited Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, indicating concerns over the app's ability to operate without internet access and its encryption features, which complicate law enforcement interception.