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 on X. The Cyberspace Administration of China claimed the app breached regulations related to online services with the ability to shape public opinion or mobilize society, which necessitates 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 would be unavailable in China, although the app remains accessible in other countries. The app's design, which relies solely on Bluetooth and mesh networks without requiring an internet connection, makes it resistant to government blockages through traditional internet shutdowns or firewall filtering.
This unique architecture has made Bitchat a preferred choice during recent protests in 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's popularity continues to grow, although regional breakdowns are not available. Additionally, the Google Play Store reports over one million registered downloads.