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Bitchat, the decentralised messaging platform founded by Twitter (now X) cofounder Jack Dorsey, has been removed from Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store following an official government order. In a post on X, Dorsey shared an official email from Apple, which read that the IT ministry (MeitY) had issued directions for the removal of the Bitchat app from the App Store under Section 69A of the IT Act. The email noted that the app allegedly included content deemed illegal in India. However, the communique did not specify what content had triggered the takedown order. Apple advised the developer to seek further details from MeitY directly. The Apple email further noted that Bitchat’s beta-testing access via TestFlight has also been blocked. However, the app would remain available on its App Store outside India. Meanwhile, Bitchat is no longer available for download via the Google Play Store as well and its website also appears to no longer be accessible in the country. It’s unclear whether this is for the same reason. Launched by Dorsey in 2025, Bitchat is an open-source messaging app that enables peer-to-peer (P2) communication through Bluetooth mesh networks without requiring internet access or centralised servers. The app does not require users to make accounts and has no central identity system either. It can be used during extreme occasions like internet outages and natural disasters, or in areas with poor network coverage. This is not the first time that Bitchat has landed in choppy regulatory waters in the country. In July this year, Dorsey had claimed the Indian government had directed GitHub to remove multiple repositories linked to Bitchat. He had shared a notification issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to support his claims. The I4C’s notification had raised concerns that Bitchat’s implementation of anonymous communication prevents authorities from obtaining subscriber details or communication records during active investigations. The agency also warned that the platform could be exploited to evade surveillance and bypass internet shutdowns to coordinate unlawful assemblies, protests, or criminal activities. Notably, I4C’s concerns had come amid the unrest over the NEET 2026 paper leak, when protesters were reportedly using Bitchat to communicate amid suspension of mobile internet services at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The action against Bitchat appears to be a part of Centre’s broader plan to tighten scrutiny of social media platforms. Earlier this year, MeitY had proposed amendments to the IT Rules, 2021, which would make government advisories legally binding on online intermediaries. The draft rules also proposed requiring platforms to remove content that could be used to commit unlawful acts within three hours of receiving a court order or a reasoned government notice.
document fetched 2026-10-04 02:50 · canonical https://inc42.com/buzz/jack-dorseys-bitchat-goes-offline-in-india-apple-cites-meity-order