Government orders GitHub to remove Bluetooth-based chat app Bitchat: Jack Dorsey
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Indian government orders GitHub to remove Bluetooth chat app Bitchat over security concerns.
India's Home Ministry cybercrime arm, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre, ordered Microsoft subsidiary GitHub to remove the Bluetooth-based messaging app Bitchat. Developer Jack Dorsey shared the July 23 notice on X, stating "The Government of India does not like technologies like Bitchat and wants it taken down." The order follows protesters using Bluetooth-based apps after temporary internet restrictions were imposed during Jantar Mantar protests.
What commenters are saying
Commenters broadly criticize the takedown as authoritarian overreach, comparing it to China's GFW and noting US companies' compliance. Several highlight that Bluetooth mesh apps like Meshtastic, Reticulum, and MeshCore are needed alternatives. A top comment notes India banned satellite communication after 2008 Mumbai attacks, and travelers report jail risk for carrying satellite devices. Some point out the repo remains available on GitHub despite the order. A few express support for the government's security rationale.