Digital
Government orders GitHub to remove Bitchat over national security concerns
I4C says Bluetooth messaging app could aid unlawful activities by bypassing internet restrictions
New Delhi: The government’s latest cybersecurity move has switched off the signal for Bitchat. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has directed GitHub to remove the Bluetooth-based messaging application Bitchat, citing concerns that its decentralised architecture could be exploited by terrorists, organised crime groups and other anti-national elements.
The notice, dated July 23, was shared on Friday by Bitchat developer and former Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey on X.
“The Government of India does not like technologies like Bitchat and wants it taken down,” Jack Dorsey wrote while posting a copy of the notice.
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ cybercrime arm has not yet responded to queries on the matter.
According to the notice, Bitchat enables users to communicate through Bluetooth mesh networks without relying on mobile networks, internet connectivity or centralised servers. Authorities argued that the platform’s design allows anonymous messaging without mandatory registration, phone number verification or centralised communication logs.
“The application enables anonymous communication without mandatory user registration, phone number verification, or centralised logging of communications. The technical architecture of the application significantly impedes lawful interception, attribution and investigation by law enforcement agencies,” the notice stated.
I4C said such applications can continue functioning even during internet shutdowns or other legally imposed network restrictions, making them difficult for law enforcement agencies to monitor.
The notice follows reports that participants in a protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party at Jantar Mantar used Bluetooth-based messaging applications after temporary internet restrictions were imposed around the protest site.
According to I4C, decentralised communication platforms could be misused to coordinate unlawful assemblies, violent protests, spread misinformation, facilitate radicalisation and support organised criminal activities while evading lawful surveillance.
The agency also warned that the absence of a central service provider limits investigators’ ability to obtain subscriber information, communication records or timely assistance during criminal investigations.
“The application’s design, which enables communication even during network restrictions, creates a substantial risk of misuse by anti-national elements, terrorist organisations, organised criminal groups, and cybercriminals seeking to evade lawful detection and continue communication despite legally imposed restrictions,” the notice said.
I4C alleged that the application violates provisions of the Information Technology Act, including Sections 43, 84B and 84C, along with Section 61 read with Sections 196 and 197 of the relevant legal framework.
The move marks the latest instance of Indian authorities scrutinising decentralised communication platforms, highlighting the growing tension between privacy-focused technologies and national security concerns.
