India's Internet Freedom Foundation condemned a government order directing GitHub to remove repositories for Jack Dorsey's decentralized messaging app BitChat, calling the move unconstitutional. The statement came on Friday, a day after India's cybercrime agency ordered GitHub to disable access to three BitChat repositories within three hours. The government said the decentralized messaging app could be used to bypass internet shutdowns, evade lawful surveillance and facilitate unlawful activities. IFF argued the order exceeded the government's legal authority because it was issued under Section 79(3)(b) of India's Information Technology Act instead of the country's formal website-blocking process, which includes procedural safeguards.
IFF Challenges Government Order Under Section 79(3)(b)
IFF posted a statement on X arguing the order was issued under Section 79(3)(b) of India's Information Technology Act instead of the country's formal website-blocking process. The organization said the formal process includes procedural safeguards. IFF called on the government to withdraw the notice and publish all takedown orders issued under the provision. The organization disputed the government's justification, noting the order did not identify any unlawful content in the repositories.
Government Cites Surveillance Evasion and Unlawful Activity Risks
India's cybercrime agency ordered GitHub to disable access to three BitChat repositories within three hours. The government said the decentralized messaging app could be used to bypass internet shutdowns, evade lawful surveillance and facilitate unlawful activities. The order argued the app's decentralized design, which enables communication over Bluetooth without internet access or centralized servers, was grounds for removal.
BitChat Routes Encrypted Messages Over Bluetooth Without Internet
BitChat is a decentralized messaging app that routes encrypted messages between nearby devices over Bluetooth without relying on internet connectivity or centralized servers. The app was released in July 2025. BitChat gained traction during protests, natural disasters and internet shutdowns. Downloads and adoption surged during periods of unrest and internet outages in countries including Madagascar, Nepal, Uganda, Jamaica and Iran.
FAQ
What did India's Internet Freedom Foundation say about the BitChat takedown order?
IFF condemned the government order directing GitHub to remove BitChat repositories, calling the move unconstitutional. The organization argued the order exceeded the government's legal authority because it was issued under Section 79(3)(b) of India's Information Technology Act instead of the country's formal website-blocking process, which includes procedural safeguards.
How does BitChat work without internet connectivity?
BitChat routes encrypted messages between nearby devices over Bluetooth without relying on internet connectivity or centralized servers. The app enables communication during internet shutdowns and has gained adoption during protests, natural disasters and internet outages in multiple countries since its release in July 2025.
