Centre reportedly asks GitHub to block Jack Dorsey's Bitchat app amid CJP protests

The Centre has allegedly directed GitHub to remove repositories hosting Bitchat, the Bluetooth-based messaging app developed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey.

The development comes amid the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in Delhi, where reports suggest some protesters used Bluetooth-based messaging apps to stay connected after mobile internet services were suspended in parts of central Delhi.

Notice to GitHub

Dorsey, in a post on X, shared purported screenshots of a notice issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The notice instructs GitHub to block access to three Bitchat repositories, including the main project and its Android version, arguing that the app could be used to bypass internet shutdowns, evade lawful interception and coordinate unlawful assemblies during public-order situations.

The government 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, directing GitHub to disable access to the repositories within three hours.

Government's concerns

The order describes Bitchat as "a communication platform capable of establishing decentralised peer-to-peer messaging over Bluetooth mesh networks without relying on mobile networks, internet connectivity, or centralized servers." It says the app's architecture "significantly impedes lawful interception, attribution, and investigation by law enforcement agencies."

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The notice also states that "such decentralized communication platforms are capable of being exploited for coordinating unlawful assemblies, violent protests, dissemination of misinformation, radicalization, criminal conspiracies, and other activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, public order, and for facilitating the commission of cognizable offences."

Probe into protest use

The notice surfaced as Delhi Police investigate whether Bluetooth-based messaging apps were used during the CJP protests after mobile internet services were suspended.

Authorities have not confirmed that Bitchat itself was used. According to reports, investigators are analysing CCTV footage, other digital evidence and, where possible, seeking information from app providers.

How Bitchat works

Dorsey launched Bitchat last year as an open-source messaging app that operates without mobile networks, Wi-Fi, phone numbers or centralised servers. Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), it creates a mesh network that relays encrypted messages between nearby devices.

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Unlike WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram, Bitchat does not require internet access or user accounts, making it useful during network outages while also making communications harder to trace and user records more difficult to obtain.