India has directed GitHub to remove repositories associated with Bitchat, the decentralized messaging application developed by Jack Dorsey, citing national security and public order concerns. The order, issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre under the Ministry of Home Affairs, argues that the Bluetooth-based messaging platform could enable anonymous communication that bypasses internet shutdowns and lawful surveillance.
The directive reportedly requires GitHub to disable access to multiple repositories related to the project, including the application’s source code and Android version. Dorsey later shared what appeared to be the government notice on social media, bringing the order into the public spotlight.
Why the Government Acted
According to the government notice, Bitchat’s decentralized architecture allows users to exchange encrypted messages through Bluetooth mesh networks without relying on mobile networks, internet connectivity, or centralized servers. Authorities said these capabilities could be exploited by:
- Terrorist organizations
- Organized crime groups
- Cybercriminals
- Individuals seeking to evade lawful surveillance during public order situations
Officials also expressed concern that offline messaging applications could remain operational even during government-imposed internet restrictions, making them difficult for law enforcement agencies to monitor.
Connection to Ongoing Protests
The takedown request comes amid ongoing protests in parts of Delhi, where reports indicate that offline messaging tools have been used after mobile internet services were suspended in certain areas. Authorities contend that applications like Bitchat could facilitate communication despite network shutdowns, while supporters argue such technologies are designed to preserve communication when conventional networks become unavailable.
Bitchat gained attention for its privacy-focused design, requiring no phone numbers, user accounts, or centralized servers. Messages travel directly between nearby devices using Bluetooth mesh networking, allowing communication without internet access.
The government’s action targets GitHub repositories hosting the application’s code rather than the underlying Bluetooth technology itself. It remains unclear whether GitHub will comply fully with the order or whether alternative mirrors and forks of the open source project will continue to remain accessible outside India.
