Following a request from China's internet regulator, Apple has taken down Bitchat, a peer-to-peer 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 cited the app's non-compliance with regulations related to online services that have the potential to shape public opinion or mobilize society, which necessitates a security evaluation prior to launch. Consequently, 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. The app's unique design, which operates solely via Bluetooth and mesh networks without requiring an internet connection, renders it impervious to government restrictions through traditional internet shutdowns or firewalls.
This feature has made Bitchat an essential tool in recent protests across Madagascar, Uganda, Nepal, Indonesia, and Iran, where governments have attempted to limit internet access to suppress dissent. With over three million downloads across platforms and more than 92,000 downloads in the last week alone, the app has gained significant traction, although regional download statistics are not available. According to the Google Play Store, the app has been downloaded over one million times, separate from other platforms.