BitChat

The government of India has officially removed Bitchat, a decentralized Bluetooth-based messaging app, from the App Store. The move is drawing widespread attention online, with users debating whether it reflects regulatory pressure on off-grid communication tools or concerns over unvetted apps. Details on the exact grounds for the removal have not been made public, and the app's developer has not yet issued a public response.

Bitchat, the Bluetooth-based messaging app co-founded by Jack Dorsey, has been pulled from app stores in India after a government order, sharply restricting its availability in the country. The removal limits Indian users' access to the decentralized app, which requires no internet connection, and follows other government actions against apps deemed non-compliant with local rules.

The Government of India has officially removed BitChat, the Bluetooth-based messaging app backed by Jack Dorsey, from Apple's App Store. The move was announced by Dorsey himself, who shared the news publicly. No detailed explanation from Indian authorities has been given, and discussion is focused on what the removal means for decentralized, offline messaging tools in the country.

Apple has pulled Bitchat, an offline Bluetooth mesh messaging app with end-to-end encryption that works without internet, from India's App Store. The company says the removal followed a demand from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under Section 69A of the IT Act, which allows blocking of content in the interest of national security. Security and privacy observers are questioning the takedown of an app designed for censorship-resistant communication.

Bitchat, the Bluetooth-based messaging app created by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, has been removed from app stores in India following a government order. The app, which allows offline communication without internet connectivity, is no longer available to users in the country. The removal adds to ongoing tensions between the Indian government and tech platforms over content and compliance, though details of the official rationale have not been disclosed.

Bitchat, the Bluetooth-based messaging app created by Jack Dorsey, has been removed from app stores in India following a government order. The app, which allows offline communication without internet connectivity, can no longer be downloaded in the country. The removal has drawn attention to ongoing tensions between tech platforms and Indian authorities over content and app regulation, with users and observers questioning the basis for the directive.