Jack Dorsey's Bitchat removed from India app stores
Jack Dorsey's decentralized messaging app, Bitchat, has disappeared from Apple and Google app stores in India following a government order. No public reason for the removal has been provided.
Bitchat, the decentralized messaging application developed by Jack Dorsey that is designed to function without an internet connection, has been removed from Apple and Google's app stores in India. The removal follows an order from the Indian government.
In November 2026, Indian authorities had reportedly asked tech giants like Apple and Google to delist Bitchat from their platforms within the country. The specific reasons for the government's directive have not been publicly disclosed. However, the Indian government has previously expressed concerns regarding the use of open-source applications and their potential for misuse.
Bitchat, which leverages Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct to facilitate communication in the absence of an internet connection, has garnered attention globally for its decentralized architecture. Developers have highlighted its potential to provide connectivity in regions with poor or non-existent internet infrastructure.
Tech industry observers suggest that India's action may reflect a broader trend of increasing regulatory oversight on digital content and communication platforms. While Bitchat is no longer available on Indian app stores, its availability in other regions and on different platforms remains unaffected.