Bitchat, a decentralized messaging app developed by Block CEO Jack Dorsey, has been removed from Apple‘s App Store in China. The removal followed a request from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). Apple informed Dorsey the app was taken down for violating local internet regulations. The peer-to-peer encrypted service operates via Bluetooth and mesh networks without an internet connection.
Bitchat, a decentralized peer-to-peer messaging app developed by Block CEO Jack Dorsey, has been removed from Apple‘s App Store in China. This action was taken at the request of the country’s Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).
Dorsey shared a screenshot of the notification from Apple’s app review team. “Bitchat pulled from the China App Store,” he stated.
The app review team said Bitchat was removed in February. The team also discontinued the TestFlight beta version in China.
Apple stated all apps must comply with local laws where they are available. “We know this stuff is complicated, but it is your responsibility to understand and make sure your app conforms with all local laws,” the notification added.
The CAC asserted the app violated regulations governing online services. The cited rules require a security assessment for services influencing public opinion.
Bitchat has gained popularity during protests in countries like Madagascar, Uganda, and Iran. Its operation without an internet connection conflicts with China’s censorship regime.
Despite the China removal, Bitchat remains available in other countries. Chrome download stats show the app has over three million downloads.
The Google Play Store records over one million registered downloads. The regions responsible for the bulk of downloads are not specified.
In comparison, Tencent‘s WeChat has an estimated 810 million users within China. China’s total population exceeds 1.4 billion.
