New Delhi: The Central government has directed GitHub to remove repositories hosting Bitchat, an open-source Bluetooth messaging application developed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, citing concerns that the platform could be used to bypass internet shutdowns and hinder lawful investigations during public-order situations.
The move comes amid the ongoing Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests in Delhi, where reports suggested that some protesters used Bluetooth-based messaging applications to communicate after mobile internet services were suspended in parts of the national capital.
Government issues takedown notice
According to screenshots shared by Jack Dorsey on X, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notice dated July 23 directing GitHub to disable access to three repositories hosting Bitchat.
The notice reportedly invoked Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
The government instructed GitHub to remove or disable access to the repositories, including the main Bitchat project and its Android version, within three hours.
Centre cites security and law enforcement concerns
According to the notice, Bitchat is a decentralised communication platform capable of enabling peer-to-peer messaging over Bluetooth mesh networks without relying on mobile networks, internet connectivity or centralised servers.
The government argued that such an architecture could make lawful interception, attribution and criminal investigations significantly more difficult for law enforcement agencies.
The notice further stated that decentralised communication platforms could potentially be exploited to coordinate unlawful assemblies, violent protests, spread misinformation, facilitate criminal conspiracies or engage in activities considered prejudicial to national security, public order and the sovereignty and integrity of India.
Linked to ongoing Delhi protests
The reported notice comes against the backdrop of the ongoing CJP protests in Delhi, during which mobile internet services were suspended in parts of central Delhi.
Reports indicated that some protesters used Bluetooth-based messaging applications to remain connected despite the internet restrictions. However, authorities have not confirmed that Bitchat itself was used during the demonstrations.
According to reports, Delhi Police are examining whether Bluetooth-based communication platforms were utilised during the protests. Investigators are reportedly analysing CCTV footage, digital evidence and other available information while also seeking inputs from relevant app providers wherever possible.
What is Bitchat?
Bitchat was unveiled by Jack Dorsey earlier this month as an open-source messaging application designed to function without mobile networks, Wi-Fi, phone numbers or centralised servers.
Instead, the application uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to establish a mesh network, allowing nearby smartphones to relay encrypted messages from one device to another. As more users join the network, messages can travel longer distances by hopping between connected devices.
Unlike conventional messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram, Bitchat does not require internet connectivity or user accounts, making it useful in areas with poor network coverage or during internet outages.
However, the absence of central servers and user registration also makes it more challenging for authorities to trace communications or obtain user-related records during investigations.
GitHub yet to respond
As of now, GitHub has not publicly responded to the reported takedown notice. Reports indicate that the company has been approached for comment, and an official response is awaited.
It also remains unclear whether GitHub has complied with the government’s request or whether the repositories remain accessible.
Conclusion
The government’s reported directive to GitHub reflects growing concerns over decentralised communication technologies and their potential use during public-order situations. While authorities argue that such platforms can complicate law enforcement efforts, Bitchat’s developers have promoted the application as a privacy-focused tool capable of functioning without conventional communication infrastructure.