Following a request from China's internet regulator, Apple has removed Bitchat, a decentralized messaging app created by Block CEO Jack Dorsey, from its App Store in China, as announced by Dorsey in a recent X post. The Cyberspace Administration of China cited the app's failure to adhere to guidelines governing online services that influence public opinion or facilitate social mobilization, which necessitate security evaluations prior to launch.
As a result, Apple's app review team informed Dorsey that both the App Store listing and the TestFlight beta version of Bitchat would no longer be accessible in China, although the app remains available in other countries. The app's design, which enables it to function over Bluetooth and mesh networks without requiring an internet connection, renders it impervious to government blocking through traditional means such as internet shutdowns or firewall filtering.
This unique architecture has led to the app's adoption as a key tool in recent protests across various countries, including Madagascar, Uganda, Nepal, Indonesia, and Iran, where authorities have attempted to restrict internet access to suppress dissent. With over three million downloads across platforms and more than 92,000 downloads in the past week alone, the app has gained significant traction, although regional breakdowns are not available. Additionally, the Google Play Store reports over one million registered downloads.