At the behest of 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 disclosed by Dorsey in a recent X post. The Cyberspace Administration of China claimed the app breached rules governing online services with the capacity to shape public opinion or mobilize society, which necessitate security evaluations prior to launch.
Apple's review team notified Dorsey that the app's App Store listing and TestFlight beta version would no longer be accessible in China, although it remains available in other countries. The app, which has gained popularity due to its ability to function over Bluetooth and mesh networks without an internet connection, has been utilized by protesters in several nations, including 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 unique design has made it a preferred choice for those seeking to communicate without reliance on traditional internet infrastructure.