Tech Beetle briefing IN AI

बिना इंटरनेट के चैटिंग कराने वाले Bitchat पर सरकार डंडा..? बैन को लेकर जैक डॉर्सी के बड़ा दावा

Essential brief

The Indian government has directed GitHub to disable repositories of Bitchat, an app enabling offline messaging via Bluetooth mesh networks. The move follows concerns that Bitchat can bypass intern

Key topics

Indian GitHub Bitchat Bluetooth Delhi. Bitchat However Delhi Authorities

Key facts

India has ordered GitHub to disable three Bitchat app repositories due to security concerns.

Bitchat enables offline messaging via Bluetooth mesh networks, bypassing internet and mobile networks.

The government fears the app could facilitate coordination of unlawful protests and hinder lawful interception.

Investigations are ongoing into the use of Bluetooth-based messaging apps during recent Delhi protests.

Highlights

Bitchat allows decentralized peer-to-peer messaging without internet or centralized servers.

The Indian government invoked IT Act 2000 Section 79(3)(b) and Intermediary Guidelines 2021 Rule 3(1)(d) for the takedown order.

Jack Dorsey, Bitchat’s creator, publicly shared the government notice on social media.

Authorities are investigating the app’s use amid internet shutdowns during CJP protests in Delhi.

The government’s main concern is the app’s potential to disrupt public order and complicate law enforcement investigations.

Why it matters

The Indian government’s action against Bitchat reflects increasing regulatory measures targeting decentralized communication platforms that can operate without internet connectivity. Such technologies pose challenges for law enforcement in monitoring and controlling activities during protests or internet shutdowns. This case highlights the broader debate over balancing technological innovation with national security and public order concerns.

Bitchat, an app that allows messaging without internet connectivity using Bluetooth mesh networks, gained popularity recently. However, its association with the ongoing CJP protests in Delhi has brought increased government attention. Authorities suspect that protesters may be using Bitchat to communicate during internet shutdowns, raising security concerns.

On July 24, 2026, the Indian government issued an official notice to GitHub, ordering the removal or disabling of three Bitchat repositories, including the main project and Android version. This directive was shared publicly by Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and creator of Bitchat, who posted the government notice on his social media account.

The notice cites provisions under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021. It states that Bitchat’s decentralized architecture complicates lawful interception, attribution, and investigation by law enforcement agencies.

The government expressed concerns that decentralized communication platforms like Bitchat could be exploited to coordinate illegal assemblies, spread misinformation, incite violence, and threaten national sovereignty, integrity, and public order. The app’s ability to function without mobile networks or centralized servers is seen as a challenge during public order situations, especially when internet access is restricted.

While Delhi Police are investigating whether Bluetooth-based messaging apps were used during the CJP protests, no official confirmation has been made regarding Bitchat’s involvement. Investigations include requests for information from app providers, analysis of CCTV footage, and examination of digital evidence.

This development underscores the tension between emerging decentralized communication technologies and government efforts to maintain security and public order during protests and internet disruptions.

Key topics in this update include Indian, GitHub, and Bitchat.