India has ordered GitHub to remove repositories linked to Bitchat, a decentralized messaging application created by Jack Dorsey, over national security and public order concerns.

The directive was issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The government contends that Bitchat's Bluetooth-based messaging platform could facilitate anonymous communication capable of circumventing both internet shutdowns and lawful surveillance. The order draws on powers under India's Information Technology Act, particularly Section 69A, which authorizes the government to direct intermediaries to block public access to content on grounds including national security, public order, and sovereignty.

The order reportedly requires GitHub to disable access to multiple repositories tied to the project, including the application's source code and its Android version. Dorsey subsequently shared what appeared to be the government notice on social media, drawing public attention to the takedown request. Dorsey, co-founder and former CEO of Twitter (now X), has been a vocal advocate for decentralized communication protocols, having supported initiatives such as Bluesky and the Nostr protocol.

Government's Rationale

According to the government notice, Bitchat's decentralized architecture enables users to exchange encrypted messages via Bluetooth mesh networks without depending on mobile networks, internet connectivity, or centralized servers. Authorities stated that these capabilities could be exploited by terrorist organizations, organized crime groups, cybercriminals, and individuals seeking to evade lawful surveillance during public order situations.

Officials further expressed concern that offline messaging applications could continue to function during government-imposed internet restrictions, making them difficult for law enforcement agencies to monitor.

Connection to Delhi Protests

The takedown request comes amid ongoing protests in parts of Delhi, where reports indicate that offline messaging tools have been used following the suspension of mobile internet services in certain areas. Authorities argue that applications like Bitchat could enable communication despite network shutdowns, while supporters maintain that such technologies are designed to preserve communication when conventional networks become unavailable. India has frequently used internet shutdowns as a public order tool, with advocacy groups such as Access Now consistently ranking it among the countries with the highest number of documented network disruptions globally.

Bitchat has drawn attention for its privacy-focused design, which requires no phone numbers, user accounts, or centralized servers. Messages travel directly between nearby devices using Bluetooth mesh networking, allowing communication without internet access.

The government's action specifically targets GitHub repositories hosting the application's code rather than the underlying Bluetooth technology itself. The move places India alongside several governments worldwide that have clashed with encrypted or decentralized messaging platforms, including disputes involving Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp over user privacy and lawful access. It remains unclear whether GitHub will fully comply with the order or whether alternative mirrors and forks of the open-source project will continue to be accessible outside India.