BitChat enables end-to-end encrypted communication via Bluetooth mesh and requires no internet, servers, phone numbers, or account registration. The Internet Freedom Foundation argues the move is unconstitutional and aims to stop coordination during internet shutdowns, noting the app was used by protesters during network outages at Jantar Mantar in July 2026. India is only the second country to successfully force Apple to remove BitChat from its store, following a similar action in China in April 2026.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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India's MeitY Bans BitChat Mesh App Following China's Precedent
Tech17 days ago
Apple has disabled downloads and security updates for the offline messaging tool BitChat in India after a directive from the government. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) ordered the removal of the app from the local App Store and halted TestFlight testing under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. MeitY claimed the software "includes content that is illegal in India," although the ministry did not specify the offending material or the exact ground for the order.
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