India has stepped up against Bitchat, the decentralized messaging app created by Jack Dorsey, by demanding GitHub take down three repositories linked to the project. The move comes as authorities express concerns over the app’s potential to evade user identification and government surveillance.
Offline Messaging Meets Bitcoin Integration
Bitchat stands out for its ability to operate without internet or central servers, relying instead on peer-to-peer connections via low-energy Bluetooth. Introduced in 2025, it was designed to provide secure communication during network outages and crises. Its decentralized model means messages hop from device to device, forming a local network that bypasses traditional telecom providers.
While its core function is encrypted messaging, Bitchat also supports a Bitcoin-related feature: users can embed offline-signed BTC transactions within messages. These transactions relay through nearby phones and broadcast to the Bitcoin network once a device regains internet access. This aligns with Jack Dorsey’s vision of enabling communication and value transfer without centralized infrastructure.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, linked to the Ministry of Home Affairs, cited provisions of the Information Technology Act to justify the takedown request. Authorities argue that Bitchat’s lack of user registration, centralized logs, and standard identifiers makes lawful interception challenging, complicating efforts to monitor digital communications.
Recent student protests in New Delhi, accompanied by internet shutdowns, appear to have accelerated interest in offline-capable tools like Bitchat. Similar adoption has been seen among protesters in Nepal and Indonesia, where creating mesh networks allows communication during restricted connectivity.
GitHub complied with the removal order targeting three specific Bitchat repositories. This action highlights a broader clash between digital freedom proponents and governments prioritizing public safety and surveillance capabilities.
India’s move follows China’s earlier restrictions, marking a growing trend of regulatory scrutiny on decentralized messaging linked to cryptocurrencies.
This article is informational and not financial advice.
