12 hrs ago
IFF Condemns Apple's Removal of BitChat in India
Apple removed BitChat from its India App Store after receiving a government demand.
Apple’s notice said the app included content that was illegal, but it did not explain what that content was.
BitChat lets nearby phones send messages to one another using Bluetooth, even without internet access.
The Internet Freedom Foundation says the government should not block the whole app without explaining its reasons.
It also says the app’s ability to work during internet shutdowns is not, by itself, a valid reason to block it.
IFF wants the government to publish the order and give the developers a chance to respond.
It also wants Apple to tell users more about the demand.
Apple says the app is still available in other places, but Indian users cannot download it from the India store or test it through TestFlight.
Apple removed BitChat from the India App Store after a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology demand under Section 69A.
Apple's notice said the app included content illegal in India but did not identify the content or specific grounds.
The Internet Freedom Foundation called the removal unconstitutional and argued Section 69A allows blocking unlawful information, not an entire messenger.
The foundation said BitChat's Bluetooth mesh messaging can work during internet shutdowns and relays encrypted messages between nearby phones.
IFF demanded publication and withdrawal of the order, due-process protections, Apple transparency, and changes to secrecy rules.
- Who
- Apple, India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Internet Freedom Foundation, and BitChat developer Jack Dorsey.
- What
- Apple removed BitChat from the India App Store following a government demand under Section 69A.
- Where
- India's App Store and TestFlight service.
- When
- The removal was reported after Jack Dorsey shared Apple's notice on Saturday; the articles do not specify the date.
- Why
- Apple's notice cited content allegedly illegal in India. IFF says the order does not identify that content and argues the app was targeted for its ability to work during internet shutdowns.
Internet Freedom Foundation
Government and Apple's stated rationale
Basis for removing BitChat
Internet Freedom Foundation
IFF says Section 69A permits blocking unlawful information, not an entire messaging app because it can operate during internet shutdowns.
Government and Apple's stated rationale
Apple's notice says MeitY demanded removal under Section 69A because the app included content illegal in India; it does not specify the content or detailed grounds.
Scope and transparency of the order
Internet Freedom Foundation
IFF says the unpublished order and lack of identified content undermine due process and demands publication, withdrawal, and an opportunity for the developers to be heard.
Government and Apple's stated rationale
The notice records the removal demand but does not provide the order or further details; Apple directed the developer to contact the ministry.
Key facts
- App
- BitChat, an offline messaging application associated with Jack Dorsey.
- Removal authority cited
- Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
- Government ministry
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- Apple's stated reason
- The app allegedly included content illegal in India; the notice did not specify the content.
- App availability in India
- Removed from the India App Store; its TestFlight builds are no longer available for testing in India.
- IFF's position
- The removal is unconstitutional and the blocking order should be published and withdrawn.
- IFF's next step
- The organisation said it would seek a copy of the order through Right to Information Act applications.
Quotes
Internet Freedom Foundation
An advocacy organisation that criticised the app’s removal.
“Section 69A permits the blocking of unlawful information, not of a messenger for working during internet shutdowns.”
livemint.com
“The removal of BitChat from the India App Store is unconstitutional.”
livemint.com
Sources
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