Govt orders GitHub to disable access to bluetooth mesh messaging app Bitchat
New Delhi, July 24
The government has directed GitHub to disable access to three URLs associated with Bitchat on Thursday, a Bluetooth mesh messaging application.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, identified the application as a communication platform capable of establishing decentralised peer-to-peer messaging over Bluetooth mesh networks without relying on mobile networks, internet connectivity, or centralised servers.
The application enables anonymous communication without mandatory user registration, phone number verification, or centralised logging of communications.
Taking to X, where he shared the govenrment order, Twitter (now X) co-founder and Bitchat developer Jack Dorsey said: "The government of India does not like technologies like bitchat and wants it taken down."
"The technical architecture of the application significantly impedes lawful interception, attribution, and investigation by law enforcement agencies. Since communications occur directly between nearby devices through a decentralised mesh network, the platform can be misused to evade lawful surveillance, facilitate anonymous coordination, and circumvent lawful restrictions imposed by competent authorities during situations involving public disorder, riots, terrorism, organised crime, or internet shutdowns," the notification stated.
"Intelligence inputs indicate that such decentralised communication platforms are capable of being exploited for coordinating unlawful assemblies, violent protests, dissemination of misinformation, radicalisation, criminal conspiracies, and other activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, public order, and for facilitating the commission of cognizable offences," the notification added.
Jack Dorsey co-founded Twitter with Evan Williams, Biz Stone, and Noah Glass in March 2006. Bitchat is a peer-to-peer encrypted messaging app, conceived by Doris Lima and developed by Jack Dorsey.
I4C further highlighted the operational challenges faced by investigative agencies due to the decentralised framework.
"The absence of a centralised service provider also limits the ability of law enforcement agencies to obtain subscriber information, communication records, or timely assistance during investigations. The application(s) design, which enables communication even during network restrictions, creates a substantial risk of misuse by anti-national elements, terrorist organisations, organised criminal groups, and cybercriminals seeking to evade lawful detection and continue communication despite legally imposed restrictions," the notification stated.
The order specified three target URLs hosted on GitHub, including the main repository, the Android repository, and the Android releases page.
The intermediary received instructions to disable access without vitiating evidence in any manner.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, if it can be used for coordination during riots or by terrorists, then it's a no-brainer for the government to act. We've seen how encrypted apps are misused. Better to be safe than sorry. But GitHub removing code? That sets a worrying precedent for open-source developers in India.
Jack Dorsey's comment smacks of cluelessness. He's sitting in the US, where they have their own surveillance laws. Every country has the right to protect its sovereignty. If this app truly bypasses all legal interception, then yes, it's a threat—especially in areas prone to unrest. But why not have a dialogue with the developer first? 🤔
As someone living in the US, I find this move authoritarian. Decentralized tech is the future—it's how we communicate during disasters or in repressive regimes. Blocking it because it's hard to surveil is a slippery slope. India talks about digital freedom but then does stuff like this. 🤷♀️
Good riddance. We saw what happened during the Delhi riots—fake news and coordination through encrypted apps. If this thing can't be traced, it's a weapon for bad actors. Let's not forget that security comes first. But I do hope the government provides clear reasons and a legal process for such blocks. Transparency matters.
I'm a tech enthusiast and this feels like overreach. Mesh networking is used for emergency comms in disaster zones. India has floods and cyclones every year—such apps could save lives! The government should create regulations for
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.