India Bans Bitchat App, Raising Concerns Over Surveillance and Legality

India's government has ordered the removal of the Bitchat app from Apple and Google app stores and blocked its website, reports Medianama.

The directive was issued under Section 69A of India's Information Technology Act, which allows the government to order the blocking of online content deemed unlawful. Authorities stated that Bitchat "includes content that is illegal in India." Removing the app from stores prevents new downloads and also halts updates, leaving existing users vulnerable.

Criticism has focused on the lack of public disclosure regarding the blocking order and the vague justification. The Internet Freedom Foundation has condemned the move as unconstitutional. They argue Bitchat is an end-to-end encrypted messaging app operating over a Bluetooth mesh network without servers. User messages are private, and the app hosts no content, making the claim of "illegal content" incoherent.

The actual objection may stem from the app's ability to function during internet shutdowns. Previous attempts to ban similar apps cited concerns about them "hampering lawful interception, attribution, and traceability." However, app developers and rights advocates maintain that such technology enables citizens to communicate when state-imposed internet blackouts occur, which they argue is not unconstitutional.

Bitchat's removal from Indian app stores reflects a broader debate on government power and its efforts to control digital communication. The incident highlights the need for transparency and respect for fundamental rights in digital legislation.