The Indian government has asked GitHub to disable access to repositories linked to Bitchat, an offline messaging app created by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey.
The move comes during ongoing protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where authorities are concerned that the app could be used to communicate without internet access and make investigations more difficult.
Jack Dorsey later shared what appears to be the official government notice on social media, bringing the issue into the global spotlight.
Why Is the Government Concerned About Bitchat?
According to reports, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) believes Bitchat’s technology makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to monitor communications or identify users during investigations.
Unlike regular messaging apps, Bitchat does not rely on mobile networks, Wi-Fi, or central servers.
Officials say this could allow people to communicate even during internet shutdowns or public disturbances, making lawful surveillance much harder.
Because of these concerns, the government reportedly asked GitHub to block access to the app’s source code.
How Does Bitchat Work?
Bitchat is different from popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Instead of using the internet, it works through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networking.
Messages are passed from one nearby phone to another, creating a chain that allows communication without mobile data or Wi-Fi.
The app is also open-source and does not require users to create an account or provide a phone number.
While this helps protect privacy and keeps communication working during network outages, it also makes tracking users much more difficult.
GitHub Asked to Remove Bitchat Repositories
The government reportedly directed GitHub to disable several repositories connected to the Bitchat project, including its main source code and Android distribution files.
The order is said to have been issued under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology Rules, 2021, with GitHub asked to comply within a short period.
At the time of writing, GitHub has not officially confirmed whether it has acted on the request.
Jack Dorsey Reacts
Jack Dorsey shared the alleged takedown notice on social media, claiming that the Indian government wanted technologies like Bitchat removed.
His post quickly gained international attention and sparked fresh discussions about digital privacy, government regulation, and the future of decentralized communication technologies.
Privacy vs National Security
The controversy has once again raised an important question: how should governments balance public safety with digital privacy?
Supporters of decentralized apps argue that they provide secure communication, especially during emergencies or network failures.
On the other hand, governments say such technologies can also be misused for illegal activities because they are difficult to monitor.
As more privacy-focused communication tools emerge, the debate over security, surveillance, and digital freedom is likely to continue.
Final Take
The Indian government has asked GitHub to block repositories linked to Jack Dorsey’s offline messaging app, Bitchat, citing national security and law enforcement concerns.
Since the app works without the internet or mobile networks, it has become the center of a growing debate over privacy, decentralized technology, and government oversight.
