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 disclosed by Dorsey in a recent X post. The Cyberspace Administration of China claimed the app breached rules governing online services that have the potential to shape public opinion or mobilize society, which necessitates a security evaluation prior to launch. As a result, Apple's app review team informed Dorsey that both the app's listing and its TestFlight beta version would be unavailable in China, although the app remains accessible 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 an attractive tool for protesters in countries like 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, the app's popularity has been notable, although regional breakdowns are not available. Additionally, the Google Play Store reports over one million registered downloads.