Bitchat, the peer-to-peer messaging app founded by Twitter cofounder Jack Dorsey, has been taken offline in India following a directive from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Apple and Google have removed the app from their stores, citing the government’s order under Section 69A of India’s IT Act.
- Bitchat removed from Apple and Google app stores in India.
- Government cites illegal content but specifics remain undisclosed.
- App offered offline peer-to-peer messaging via Bluetooth mesh.
What happened
Bitchat, the decentralized messaging app created by Jack Dorsey, was removed from both Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store in India after the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued an official order. Apple informed the developer that the takedown directive was under Section 69A of the IT Act, which allows the government to block content considered illegal in the country. However, the exact nature of the content that triggered the action was not disclosed, and Apple advised contacting MeitY for further details.
Beyond app store removal, Bitchat’s beta-testing platform on Apple's TestFlight has also been blocked. The app’s official website became inaccessible within India, though it remains available outside the country. Google has not provided a specific explanation for the Google Play Store removal. Bitchat launched in 2025 as an open-source app facilitating peer-to-peer communication over Bluetooth mesh networks without internet reliance or central servers.
Why it matters
Bitchat offers a unique communication method designed for use cases such as natural disasters and network outages, where internet access is unreliable or unavailable. By enabling anonymous peer-to-peer messaging without centralized infrastructure, the platform challenges conventional regulatory approaches centered on identifiable user data and content monitoring.
Indian authorities have expressed concerns that this anonymity prevents surveillance and law enforcement investigations, especially during times of civil unrest. The app reportedly saw use during the 2026 NEET examination paper leak protests, where internet shutdowns were imposed. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre had previously highlighted risks that Bitchat could facilitate unlawful coordination by enabling users to evade government monitoring.
What to watch next
This development fits into a broader Indian government strategy to increase regulatory oversight of digital and social media platforms, including proposed amendments to the IT Rules of 2021. These changes would mandate platforms to act quickly on government or court directives to remove content deemed unlawful, and impose stricter accountability obligations on intermediaries.
Stakeholders will closely monitor whether Bitchat’s removal signals a precedent for further crackdowns on decentralized or encrypted communication tools in India. The evolving regulatory environment may pressure emerging tech startups to align with government norms or face operational restrictions. How other global regulators respond to decentralized apps amidst security and privacy concerns will also be pivotal.