Apple has complied with a request from China's internet regulator to remove Bitchat, a decentralized messaging app created by Block CEO Jack Dorsey, from the China App Store, as disclosed by Dorsey in a recent X post. The Cyberspace Administration of China cited the app's non-compliance with regulations governing online services that have the potential to influence public opinion or facilitate social mobilization, which necessitate security evaluations prior to launch.
Consequently, Apple's app review team informed Dorsey that the app's listing and beta version on TestFlight would no longer be accessible in China, although it remains available in other countries. The app's design, which enables it to function without an internet connection via Bluetooth and mesh networks, renders it impervious to government blocking through traditional internet shutdowns or firewall filtering. This unique architecture has made Bitchat a preferred choice among protesters in various countries, including Madagascar, Uganda, Nepal, Indonesia, and Iran, where authorities have attempted to limit 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's popularity is notable, although regional breakdowns are not available.
Additionally, the Google Play Store reports over one million registered downloads.