As disclosed by Block CEO Jack Dorsey in a recent X post, Apple has complied with a request from China's internet regulator to remove Bitchat, a decentralized messaging app, from the China App Store. The Cyberspace Administration of China cited the app's non-compliance with regulations governing online services that have the potential to sway public opinion or mobilize society, which necessitates a security assessment prior to launch.
Consequently, Apple's app review team notified Dorsey that the app would no longer be available on the App Store or through TestFlight in China, although it remains accessible in other countries. The app's unique design, functioning exclusively over Bluetooth and mesh networks without requiring an internet connection, renders it impervious to conventional government blockages. This feature has made Bitchat an essential tool for 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 is evident, although regional breakdowns are not available.
Additionally, the Google Play Store reports over one million registered downloads.