Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat disappears from app stores in India after government order

The Indian government's action against Bitchat is rooted in the app's design, which allows encrypted communication without internet access or centralized servers. This functionality was cited by authorities as making it difficult for law enforcement to intercept messages or trace users, particularly its ability to operate during internet shutdowns. This follows a July 2026 order for GitHub to remove Bitchat-related repositories, which raised questions about the legal basis for restricting software based on its architecture.

The restrictions coincide with a fresh wave of youth-led protests in India, during which internet services were suspended in some areas. Demonstrators reportedly used Bitchat and similar apps during these disruptions. Market intelligence data from Sensor Tower indicated that India accounted for approximately 85% of Bitchat's global downloads between July 17 and July 23, up from roughly 1% in the preceding 30 days.

Digital rights advocates, such as the Internet Freedom Foundation, have argued the latest order is unconstitutional. They contend that Section 69A of the IT Act is intended for blocking unlawful information, not an entire messaging application based on its operational capabilities during internet outages. The absence of public disclosure for the blocking order or the specific allegedly illegal content further complicates its legal standing.