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 in a recent X post. The Cyberspace Administration of China claimed the app breached rules governing online services capable of influencing public opinion or mobilizing society, which necessitate security evaluations prior to launch.
As a result, Apple's review team informed Dorsey that both the app's listing and its TestFlight beta version would no longer be accessible in China, although the app remains available in other countries. Bitchat's unique design, which enables it to function solely over Bluetooth and mesh networks without requiring an internet connection, has made it an attractive tool for protesters worldwide, including those in 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 has been notable, although regional download statistics are not available.
Additionally, the Google Play Store reports over one million registered downloads.