India’s cybercrime agency ordered GitHub to disable the repositories of Bitchat, a decentralized messaging app linked to Jack Dorsey, giving just three hours to comply. The move comes amid government concerns that the app could enable illegal gatherings and bypass internet shutdowns during emergencies.
How Bitchat Works and Why It’s Targeted
Launched in July 2025 by Dorsey, Bitchat operates without central servers or user registration, relying on Bluetooth mesh networking for peer-to-peer encrypted communication. This design lets users connect offline, making it resilient to traditional internet controls. Indian authorities cited Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act to demand the removal, arguing the app threatens public order by facilitating communication beyond government reach.
Wider Government Crackdown and International Context
India’s action follows China’s removal of Bitchat from its App Store in April 2026, marking a rare coordinated push against the same app by two large nations within months. Unlike app store bans, targeting GitHub repositories aims to halt development at its source. Microsoft, which owns GitHub, has not confirmed whether it met the tight deadline. This crackdown reflects India’s increasingly strict stance on decentralized technologies, especially those like Bitchat that evade traditional regulatory frameworks.
The Bitcoin Connection and Regulatory Implications
Bitchat’s peer-to-peer architecture draws heavily from Bitcoin’s network principles, with potential for offline Bitcoin payments through mesh networks. India’s recent crypto tax hikes have already curtailed trading activities, and this takedown signals a tougher approach toward decentralized tools perceived as threats to state control over digital communications.
This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.
