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India’s cybercrime authority has directed GitHub to take down Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging application built by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, after the tool was reportedly used by protesters to communicate during a government imposed internet shutdown in Delhi. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) issued the notice on July 23, 2026, arguing that the app’s decentralised design makes it a security risk that could be exploited by criminal and anti-national actors.
What Prompted the Order
The directive followed a protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party at Jantar Mantar, where authorities imposed temporary internet restrictions around the demonstration site. Several participants were reportedly seen relying on Bluetooth based messaging apps to stay connected despite the blackout, drawing regulatory attention to Bitchat specifically.
Why Authorities Are Concerned
I4C’s notice centers on Bitchat’s core technical feature: it lets devices communicate directly over Bluetooth mesh networks, without internet access, mobile networks, or a central server. This means the app functions even when conventional communication channels are cut off.
According to the notice, this architecture removes safeguards law enforcement typically relies on — user registration, phone verification, and centralised logging — making it harder to trace or intercept communications. Authorities cited possible violations of Sections 43, 84B, and 84C of India’s IT Act, along with Section 61 read with Sections 196 and 197.
The Broader Stakes for Digital Rights
This case sits at the intersection of digital rights and national security policy. For ordinary users, it raises questions about access to communication tools during emergencies or unrest. For technologists, it signals how regulators worldwide are approaching decentralised, censorship-resistant technology. For civil society, it reopens debate over surveillance, protest rights, and internet shutdowns as a governance tool.
Unresolved Questions Ahead
It remains unclear whether GitHub will comply with the order, contest it, or seek further clarification from Indian authorities. I4C did not respond to a request for comment on the matter. How this plays out may set a precedent for how decentralised, offline capable communication tools are treated by regulators in India and beyond.
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