The Indian government has directed GitHub to block repositories hosting Jack Dorsey’s decentralized messaging application, Bitchat, citing concerns that the app could be used to bypass internet shutdowns, evade lawful surveillance, and facilitate coordination during ongoing Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests in Delhi. The takedown request was reportedly issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), a unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs, and shared publicly by Dorsey on social media.
According to the reported notice, the government instructed GitHub to disable access to three repositories related to Bitchat—including its main repository and Android version—within three hours. Authorities invoked Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, along with Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, arguing that the app could undermine public-order measures during internet restrictions.
Government Seeks Removal of Bitchat Repositories
The takedown request comes amid heightened security measures in Delhi during large-scale CJP protests.
According to the reported notice, the government argued that Bitchat could:
- Circumvent internet shutdowns.
- Evade lawful interception and surveillance.
- Enable communication during network restrictions.
- Facilitate coordination of unlawful assemblies during public-order situations.
Key Developments
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| App | Bitchat |
| Developer | Jack Dorsey |
| Platform Targeted | GitHub repositories |
| Issuing Authority | Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) |
| Reason Cited | Concerns over public order, internet shutdown circumvention, and lawful interception |
What Is Bitchat?
Bitchat is a decentralized messaging application developed by Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter (now X) and Block.
The app is designed to:
- Operate without internet connectivity.
- Use Bluetooth mesh networking for nearby communication.
- Function without phone numbers or user accounts.
- Avoid reliance on centralized servers.
Because messages can be relayed between nearby devices, the application can continue functioning even when mobile internet services are unavailable.
Core Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Internet Required | No (for Bluetooth mesh messaging) |
| Accounts | Not required |
| Communication | Peer-to-peer Bluetooth mesh |
| Infrastructure | Decentralized |
| Intended Use Cases | Offline communication, disaster response, remote areas, and other connectivity-limited environments |
Link to Ongoing Delhi Protests
The reported government action follows widespread protests in Delhi, during which authorities suspended mobile internet services in certain areas.
Reports indicate that some protesters were using Bluetooth-based messaging applications, including Bitchat, to remain connected after internet access was restricted. Security agencies reportedly viewed such tools as potentially complicating enforcement efforts during public-order operations.
Separately, security arrangements in Delhi have been intensified ahead of Independence Day, with additional paramilitary deployments and increased surveillance around protest locations.
Legal Basis for the Takedown Request
According to the reported notice, the government relied on:
- Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
- Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021.
The notice reportedly directed GitHub to remove or disable access to the identified repositories within three hours to retain intermediary protections under Indian law.
Broader Debate Around Decentralized Communication
The reported move highlights the growing tension between decentralized communication technologies and government efforts to maintain public order during emergencies.
Supporters of decentralized messaging argue that such tools:
- Improve communication during natural disasters.
- Provide resilience during infrastructure outages.
- Enhance privacy and censorship resistance.
Governments, however, have raised concerns that the same technologies can make lawful investigations more difficult when conventional communication networks are restricted.
Why It Matters
The reported order marks one of India’s most prominent actions against a decentralized Bluetooth-based messaging platform. Rather than targeting an internet service provider or conventional social media platform, authorities have reportedly sought the removal of the application’s source code repositories from GitHub, reflecting increasing regulatory attention on software that can function outside traditional telecommunications infrastructure.
The development also underscores the broader policy debate surrounding privacy, decentralized technologies, and public safety. While mesh-network applications can provide valuable communication tools during emergencies and network outages, governments may view them differently when they are used during periods of civil unrest or internet shutdowns. The outcome of this case could influence how open-source decentralized communication tools are regulated in India going forward.
Looking Ahead
It remains to be seen how GitHub will respond to the reported takedown request and whether the repositories will be blocked in India, removed globally, or challenged through legal or procedural channels. Jack Dorsey’s public disclosure of the notice has also brought renewed international attention to India’s approach toward regulating decentralized communication technologies.
Looking ahead, policymakers are likely to face increasing challenges in balancing public-order concerns with the availability of open-source, peer-to-peer communication tools. As decentralized applications become more sophisticated and widely adopted, governments, technology platforms, and developers may encounter more frequent legal and regulatory disputes over access, security, and digital rights.
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