Apple has removed the BitChat app from the Indian App Store. BitChat allows you to send messages via Bluetooth even without an internet connection. Learn why this app was removed.
Apple removes BitChat from the App Store.
Jack Dorsey's messaging app BitChat, which allows people to send messages without the internet, is once again in the news. Apple has removed this app from the Indian App Store. This step has been taken following the instructions of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of the Government of India. BitChat was introduced by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey and its most special feature is that, through it, nearby devices can connect with each other using a Bluetooth network. So let us know why Apple has removed BitChat from the Indian App Store.
Why did Apple remove BitChat from the Indian App Store?
Jack Dorsey shared a screenshot of a message sent by Apple on X on October 3rd. In it, Apple's App Review team stated that BitChat was being removed from the Indian App Store following a request from MeitY. According to Apple, the government had directed the app to be unavailable in the country, citing content deemed illegal in India. Apple also clarified that BitChat will remain available in other countries. Its TestFlight version will also no longer be available in India. TestFlight is used to test beta versions of apps.
How does BitChat work?
BitChat works quite differently from other standard messaging apps. It doesn't rely on an internet connection or a central server every time. The app uses Bluetooth-based mesh networking, allowing nearby devices to directly connect to each other and pass messages.
The matter came to light again in October.
During the internet shutdown near Jantar Mantar in July, CJP protesters used BitChat to stay in touch. This app had previously come under government scrutiny, but it later became available again. Following the 12-hour internet shutdown in a 1.5-kilometer area around Jantar Mantar on October 2nd and the CJP protests in Delhi and Mumbai, Apple removed BitChat from India's App Store.
What concerns did the government raise regarding BitChat?
According to Apple, MeitY ordered the removal of BitChat from India's App Store under Section 69A of the IT Act. The government fears that some of the app's features could be used to secretly connect people, mobilize illegal gatherings, or engage in criminal activities. Meanwhile, the Internet Freedom Foundation questioned this action, stating that BitChat does not own servers and does not host its own content. The organization has demanded that the government make this order public and withdraw it.
