Archive · 25 Jul 2026
India Orders GitHub to Block Jack Dorsey's Bitchat App
The Indian government has ordered GitHub to block access to Jack Dorsey's messaging app, Bitchat.
The app uses Bluetooth mesh networking, which allows communication without the internet or central servers.
The government is worried that this technology could be used to organize protests or spread misinformation, making it hard for police to track.
Jack Dorsey, the app's creator, shared the order on X, saying the government doesn't like technologies like Bitchat.
The order comes during big protests in Delhi, where the government has also temporarily shut down mobile internet services.
The Indian government ordered GitHub to block access to Jack Dorsey's messaging app, Bitchat.
Bitchat uses Bluetooth mesh networking for offline, decentralized communication.
The government believes the app could be misused during protests or public-order situations.
The order cites concerns about the app's impact on law enforcement's ability to monitor communications.
Jack Dorsey shared the order on X, criticizing the government's stance on technologies like Bitchat.
- Who
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and Jack Dorsey
- What
- Order to block Bitchat app on GitHub
- When
- July 24, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- Concerns over the app's potential misuse during protests and its impact on law enforcement's ability to monitor communications
Government of India
Jack Dorsey and Bitchat Supporters
App's Technology and Security Concerns
Government of India
The app's offline, decentralized messaging technology could be misused during protests or public-order situations, making it harder for law enforcement to monitor communications or identify users.
Jack Dorsey and Bitchat Supporters
The app's technology is designed to provide secure, private communication without relying on central servers or internet connectivity.
Government's Order to Block the App
Government of India
The government believes the app could be used to bypass communication restrictions and coordinate unlawful gatherings or protests, posing a threat to public order and national security.
Jack Dorsey and Bitchat Supporters
The order to block the app is seen as an attempt to suppress technologies that promote privacy and decentralization, which are essential for free communication.
- App Name
- Bitchat
- Developer
- Jack Dorsey
- Technology Used
- Bluetooth mesh networking
- Government Agency
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
- Legal Basis
- Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act and Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021
- Repositories Ordered to be Blocked
- Three GitHub repositories related to Bitchat
- Protests
- Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests in Delhi
Sources
Govt orders GitHub to remove BitChat: Read how the app allows broadcasting messages at large protest sites when mobile and internet services are blocked
India orders GitHub to remove Jack Dorsey's Bitchat app over security concerns
Centre seeks GitHub purge of Bluetooth chat app Bitchat, cites security risk - Telegraph India
Centre asks GitHub to block Bitchat, messaging app that works without internet, amid students protest
GitHub Asked To Block Jack Dorsey's Bitchat App Following Indian Government's Order
Explained: Why govt wants Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat app removed and why digital rights groups disagree
X co-founder Dorsey shares ‘MHA takedown order’ for Bluetooth messaging app amid Jantar Mantar protests
Jack Dorsey Says Indian Govt Ordered bitchat Takedown Amid Student Protests
Indian govt orders GitHub to block access of Jack Dorsey's messaging app, Bitchat amid CJP protest
No internet, no messaging: What is Bitchat and why India wants it blocked amid CJP Protest - Telegraph India
Amid Protests, Jack Dorsey Says Centre Ordered Removal Of Chat App Bitchat
Protesters Use Bitchat to Bypass Internet Shutdown; Govt Seeks Takedown