Apple has complied with a request from China's internet regulator to remove Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging app created by Block CEO Jack Dorsey, from its App Store in China. According to Dorsey, the app was taken down due to non-compliance with regulations governing online services that have the potential to influence public opinion or mobilize social movements. The app's removal was confirmed by Apple's app review team, which stated that both the App Store listing and the TestFlight beta version would no longer be available in China, although the app remains accessible in other countries. Bitchat's unique design allows it to operate entirely over Bluetooth and mesh networks without requiring an internet connection, making it difficult for governments to block.
This feature has made the app a popular choice among protesters in countries such as 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 has been significant, although regional breakdowns are not available.