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Bitchat removed from Indian App Stores following MeitY directive
Apple and Google have removed the decentralized messaging application Bitchat from their respective app stores in India following a directive from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The removal, confirmed by Bitchat developer and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Apple's notice stated the app was removed because it contains content deemed illegal in India, though specific details regarding the content were not provided.
Bitchat is an open-source, peer-to-peer messaging platform that utilizes Bluetooth mesh networks to enable communication without the need for internet connectivity, SIM cards, or centralized servers. This capability has made it popular during regional internet blackouts and protests. In addition to the app store removals, Apple has blocked TestFlight beta testing for the app in India, and the application's website has become inaccessible through several Indian internet service providers.
The removal follows previous regulatory scrutiny in July, when the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) requested the removal of Bitchat repositories from GitHub, citing concerns that the app could be used to evade lawful surveillance. While the app has been restricted in India, it remains available on app stores in other international markets.
Entities
Apple · Bitchat · Google · India · Jack Dorsey · Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 13 SOURCES] Jack Dorsey confirmed the removal of Bitchat via a post on X. navbharatlive.com · www.aajtak.in · www.altnews.in · www.ciol.com · blockonomi.com · +8 more
- [● 16 SOURCES] Bitchat is a decentralized messaging app that uses Bluetooth mesh networks to function without internet. navbharatlive.com · www.aajtak.in · innovations.fr · world-today-journal.com · www.altnews.in · +11 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] Bitchat was also removed from the Google Play Store in India. www.aajtak.in · world-today-journal.com · www.altnews.in · www.ciol.com · inc42.com
- [● 15 SOURCES] Apple stated the app was removed because it contains content deemed illegal in India. navbharatlive.com · www.aajtak.in · world-today-journal.com · www.altnews.in · www.ciol.com · +10 more
- [● 16 SOURCES] Apple removed Bitchat from the Indian App Store following a directive from MeitY. navbharatlive.com · www.aajtak.in · innovations.fr · world-today-journal.com · www.altnews.in · +11 more
- [● 16 SOURCES] The takedown was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. navbharatlive.com · www.aajtak.in · innovations.fr · world-today-journal.com · www.altnews.in · +11 more