Indian Government Ordered GitHub to Remove bitchat App Code

Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has stated that the Indian government ordered GitHub to remove repositories associated with bitchat, an open-source messaging application. bitchat facilitates peer-to-peer communication via Bluetooth mesh networks, bypassing the need for internet or central servers.

Dorsey shared a notification from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), operating under the Union Home Ministry, dated July 23. The directive instructed GitHub to remove or disable access to three URLs linked to the project within three hours. These included the main source code repository, the Android repository, and the Android releases page.

The action occurs amidst ongoing student protests concerning alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Authorities have also temporarily suspended mobile internet services near protest sites, citing public safety and order maintenance.

The I4C cited that bitchat allows anonymous communication without registration or centralized logging, complicating law enforcement investigations. The center argued that such platforms could be misused for evading surveillance, bypassing restrictions during internet shutdowns, and enabling anonymous coordination during public disorder, riots, terrorism, and organized crime.

India has been increasing its oversight of online platforms, with proposed amendments to IT Rules requiring platforms to remove content conducive to unlawful acts within three hours of receiving a government notice.