Bitchat is a decentralized messaging application under Jack Dorsey, designed to operate without the need for an internet connection. This application has disappeared from the Apple and Google app stores in India, and just a few months ago, New Delhi authorities sought to restrict access to this open-source software for the first time.
On Saturday, it was reported that the Indian government has ordered Apple to remove Bitchat from the Indian region of App Store. An Apple notice posted on X indicated that the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology made this request under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which is the primary legal basis for the Indian government to order the blocking of online content.
Apple's notification states that Bitchat will still be available on App Store in regions outside of India. However, accessing this app from India through Apple's TestFlight testing service will also be blocked.
On Saturday during verification, it was also not possible to download from India's Google Play. At the same time, the website of Bitchat could not be accessed via multiple internet service providers in India. It is currently unclear whether Google and these internet service providers have also received instructions from the federal government.
Apple, Google, and the relevant departments in India IT have not responded to requests for comments.
Bitchat was launched last July, utilizing Bluetooth mesh networks to enable encrypted message exchange between nearby devices, without relying on cellular networks, internet access, or centralized servers.
In July 2026, Dorsey revealed that Indian authorities had requested GitHub to remove repositories related to this open-source messaging application, which sparked doubts among digital rights advocates and legal experts about the legal basis for restricting access solely on the basis of software functionality.
The Indian government stated in its command to GitHub at that time that the architecture of Bitchat made it difficult for law enforcement agencies to intercept communications or track users, and pointed out that it could continue to operate during internet disruptions. The July command cited provisions in India's Information Technology Act regarding intermediaries and their responsibilities for third-party content, which are different from Article 69A mentioned in Apple's latest notification.
The digital rights advocacy group Internet Freedom Foundation based in New Delhi has stated that the latest order is unconstitutional, arguing that Section 69A allows the government to block illegal information, but it cannot be used to block a messaging app just because it can continue to function during internet disruptions. The group also mentioned that neither the blockade order itself nor the so-called illegal content on which it is based has been made public.
As Bitchat faces the latest restrictions, India is experiencing a new wave of youth-led protests due to changes in the voter registry. On Saturday, the police detained several people during demonstrations in New Delhi. Protesters are demanding that India's Chief Election Commissioner resign on the grounds that the voter registry is suspected of being manipulated. On Friday, during the protests, authorities also suspended internet services for 12 hours in the vicinity of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
During the protests in July, it was reported that after the authorities cut off internet services, protesters turned to use Bitchat and the competing app Briar.
At the same time, Bitchat also saw a surge in popularity in India during the same period. Data from market intelligence firm Sensor Tower shows that from July 17 to July 23, India accounted for approximately 85% of the app's global downloads, whereas in the previous 30 days, this proportion was around 1%.
