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 disclosed by Dorsey in a recent X post. The Cyberspace Administration of China cited the app's non-compliance with regulations governing online services that have the potential to shape public opinion or mobilize society, which necessitates security evaluations prior to launch.
As a result, Apple's review team notified 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. A key feature of Bitchat is its ability to operate entirely over Bluetooth and mesh networks, eliminating the need for an internet connection. This design makes it virtually impossible for governments to block the app through traditional means such as internet shutdowns or firewall filtering.
Consequently, Bitchat has become a preferred tool for protesters in various countries, including 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 continues to grow, although regional breakdowns are not available. Additionally, the Google Play Store reports over one million registered downloads.