India orders removal of Jack Dorsey's Bitchat messaging app from app stores

Bitchat, launched in July 2025, uses Bluetooth mesh networking to allow nearby devices to exchange encrypted messages without relying on cellular networks, internet access, or centralized servers. The app was also no longer available for download through Google Play in India when TechCrunch checked on Saturday. Bitchat's website was inaccessible across various internet service providers in the country. Apple's notice said Bitchat would remain available on its App Store outside India, but access through its TestFlight beta-testing service would also be blocked in the country.

This is not the first time Indian authorities have targeted Bitchat. In July 2026, Dorsey revealed that the government had ordered GitHub to take down repositories associated with the open-source app. At that time, the government cited Bitchat's architecture as making it difficult for law enforcement to intercept communications or trace users, and pointed to its ability to operate during internet shutdowns. That order relied on a different provision of India's information technology law dealing with intermediaries and liability for third-party content.

The Internet Freedom Foundation, a New Delhi-based digital rights advocacy group, called the latest order unconstitutional, arguing that Section 69A allows the government to block unlawful information but not a messaging app because of its ability to operate during internet shutdowns. The group also noted that neither the blocking order nor the allegedly illegal content cited as the basis for the action had been made public. It was not immediately clear whether Google and internet service providers had also received directions from the federal government.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The Indian government's blocking of Bitchat sets a precedent for targeting decentralized, encryption-based communication tools that operate outside traditional internet infrastructure.
The action comes amid a fresh wave of youth-led protests in India over voter roll changes, raising concerns about the use of censorship powers during political unrest.
Developers of open-source and peer-to-peer technologies face increasing legal scrutiny worldwide as governments seek to maintain surveillance capabilities.

Background

Bitchat is an open-source messaging app designed by Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, that uses Bluetooth mesh networking to enable communication without an internet connection or centralized servers. Launched in July 2025, the app gained attention for its potential to function during internet shutdowns, which are periodically imposed by Indian authorities in regions experiencing unrest. The Indian government has previously expressed concerns that such decentralized apps hinder law enforcement's ability to monitor communications. Section 69A of India's Information Technology Act allows the government to block online content in the interest of national security or public order.

Key Perspectives

Digital rights advocates: The Internet Freedom Foundation argues the blocking is unconstitutional because Section 69A targets unlawful content, not the technical capabilities of an app. They say the government has not publicly disclosed the specific illegal content that Bitchat is allegedly hosting. Indian government: While not commenting on this specific order, the government has previously cited Bitchat's architecture as making it hard for law enforcement to intercept communications or trace users, and pointed to its ability to continue operating during internet shutdowns. Tech companies (Apple, Google): Both companies complied with the government order, as required under Indian law, but have not publicly commented. Google's removal of the app from Google Play may have been voluntary or based on a separate direction.

What to Watch

Whether the Indian government issues a formal blocking order or publishes the alleged illegal content that triggered the action.
Possible legal challenge by the Internet Freedom Foundation or other groups that could test the scope of Section 69A.
Whether other decentralized messaging apps face similar restrictions in India or other countries.

ZOTPAPER