Apple has removed the decentralized messaging app Bitchat from its App Store in China, following a request from the Cyberspace Administration of China. The app, developed by Block CEO Jack Dorsey, was taken down due to alleged violations of regulations governing online services with the potential to shape public opinion or mobilize society.
As a result, both the app's listing and its TestFlight beta version are no longer accessible in China, although it remains available in other countries. Bitchat's unique design, which enables it to function over Bluetooth and mesh networks without requiring an internet connection, has made it a popular choice among protesters in countries such as Madagascar, Uganda, Nepal, Indonesia, and Iran, where authorities have attempted to restrict internet access. With over three million downloads across platforms and more than 92,000 downloads in the past week, the app's removal from the China App Store marks a significant development in the ongoing tensions between technology companies and government regulators.