Bitchat removed from Indian app stores after government order

India has blocked access to Bitchat, a decentralized messaging app founded by Jack Dorsey, following a government order under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The app’s removal from Apple and Google stores, along with its website and beta access, comes amid concerns about its use during protests and internet shutdowns in New Delhi.

Removal from app stores

Bitchat, a decentralized messaging app founded by Jack Dorsey, has been removed from Apple and Google’s app stores in India following a government order. According to TechCrunch, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, to justify the removal. Apple’s notice to Dorsey stated the app’s content was considered "illegal in India," though no specific violations were detailed.

The app’s removal extends beyond app stores. TechCrunch reports that Bitchat’s website is inaccessible across multiple internet service providers in India, and access via Apple’s TestFlight beta-testing service has also been blocked. Google’s Play Store similarly removed the app, though it is unclear if Google received a direct government order.

Mint (Technology) adds that the app’s reliance on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networking allows users to exchange encrypted messages without cellular networks, internet access, or centralized servers. This feature reportedly raised concerns among Indian authorities about the app’s potential use during internet shutdowns.

Government concerns and legal challenges

The Indian government’s order to remove Bitchat stemmed from concerns about the app’s architecture. According to TechCrunch, authorities argued Bitchat’s decentralized and encrypted nature makes lawful interception of communications difficult. Additionally, the app’s ability to function during internet shutdowns—such as those imposed during recent protests in New Delhi—was flagged as a national security risk.

In July 2026, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) sought restrictions on Bitchat’s GitHub repositories, citing similar concerns. Mint (Technology) reports that the I4C warned the app’s design could enable communication even when internet services are suspended, complicating law enforcement efforts.

The Internet Freedom Foundation, a digital rights organization, has challenged the legality of the ban. According to TechCrunch, the group argues that Section 69A of the IT Act was not intended to target messaging apps but rather to block unlawful information. The blocking order and the alleged illegal content cited by the government have not been made public.

Protests and surge in downloads

Bitchat’s removal coincides with a surge in youth-led protests in India over changes to electoral rolls. TechCrunch reports that demonstrations in New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar area led authorities to suspend internet services for 12 hours on October 2, 2026. Protesters reportedly used Bitchat and similar apps like Briar to communicate during the shutdowns.

The app saw a dramatic increase in downloads in India during this period. Data from Sensor Tower, cited by TechCrunch, shows that India accounted for 85% of Bitchat’s global downloads between July 17 and July 23, 2026. In the prior 30 days, India represented just 1% of downloads, highlighting the app’s sudden popularity amid protests and internet disruptions.

Background on Section 69A

Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, grants the Indian government the authority to block public access to information or online content deemed unlawful. The provision is typically used to restrict access to websites, social media posts, or other digital content that may threaten national security, public order, or relations with foreign states.

However, legal experts and digital rights groups have criticized the expansive interpretation of Section 69A, particularly when applied to messaging apps. The provision was not designed to target platforms that facilitate private communication, raising concerns about overreach and censorship.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

For founders and operators, Bitchat’s case is a stark reminder of how quickly regulatory landscapes can shift, especially in markets with rigorous surveillance demands. Decentralized and encrypted apps—once seen as insulated from government interference—are increasingly vulnerable to legal action under broad or ambiguously worded provisions.

The Indian government’s use of Section 69A to block Bitchat sets a concerning precedent for startups in the messaging and communication space. It signals that compliance cannot be assumed even for apps that prioritize user privacy, particularly in regions where governments actively monitor digital activity. Founders must weigh the risks of entering or expanding in markets with restrictive digital policies, as sudden bans can disrupt user growth and operational viability.

For the broader tech ecosystem, this ban underscores the tension between innovation in privacy-preserving technology and government requirements for lawful access. Messaging apps with offline or decentralized features may face heightened scrutiny in authoritarian or high-surveillance regimes, creating compliance challenges that centralized platforms do not encounter. Startups in this space will need to invest in legal and policy expertise early to navigate these risks.

Key takeaways

• Bitchat, a decentralized messaging app by Jack Dorsey, has been blocked in India after government orders to Apple and Google.
• The Indian government used Section 69A of the IT Act to justify the removal, citing concerns about lawful interception and offline functionality.
• The app’s removal follows protests in New Delhi where demonstrators reportedly used Bitchat during internet shutdowns.
• India was the app’s largest market, representing 85% of global downloads in late July 2026.
• Legal challenges to the ban argue it is unconstitutional, as Section 69A was not designed to target messaging apps.

FAQ

What is Bitchat?

Bitchat is a decentralized messaging app founded by Jack Dorsey that allows users to send encrypted messages without relying on cellular networks, Wi-Fi, or centralized servers. It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networking to enable offline communication.

Why was Bitchat removed from Indian app stores?

The Indian government ordered Apple and Google to remove Bitchat under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Authorities cited concerns about the app’s encryption and offline functionality, which they argued could hinder lawful interception of communications and enable use during internet shutdowns.

What is Section 69A of the Information Technology Act?

Section 69A is a legal provision in India that allows the government to block public access to information or online content deemed unlawful. It is typically used to restrict websites or social media posts but has raised concerns when applied to messaging apps.

Is Bitchat still available outside India?

Yes, Bitchat remains available on Apple and Google app stores in regions outside India, as well as on its GitHub repositories for users outside the country.

What are the legal challenges to the ban?

The Internet Freedom Foundation has called the ban unconstitutional, arguing that Section 69A was not intended to target messaging apps. The group contends the provision is being misapplied to restrict private communication, not unlawful content.

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