Block CEO Jack Dorsey’s developed decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) messaging app Bitchat has been removed from the Apple App Store in China. Apple’s app review team notified Dorsey that the app was removed in February at the request of the China Cyberspace Administration (CAC), and the TestFlight beta version will also not be available in China. CAC stated that Bitchat violates Article 3 of the internet service regulations that came into effect in 2018; this article requires online services that influence public opinion or enable social mobilization to undergo a security assessment before launch.
Source: Jack Dorsey
Bitchat’s Removal Reason in China: CAC Regulation
China Cyberspace Administration (CAC) classified Bitchat as a “public opinion-influencing” service. The 2018 regulation requires apps posing social mobilization risks to obtain prior approval. This reflects China’s strict censorship policies; similarly, apps like Telegram and Signal have been blocked in the past.
Bitchat’s Technical Structure: Bluetooth Mesh and Encryption
Bitchat operates without an internet connection using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi Direct-based mesh networks. Messages are end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) and require no central server. This structure is decentralized, similar to the Nostr protocol, and reflects Dorsey’s Bitcoin freedom vision. Technically, BLE beacons are used for peer discovery, and message transmission occurs hop-by-hop.
Bitchat Popularity in Protest Countries: From Madagascar to Iran
In recent months, Bitchat exploded in protests in Madagascar, Uganda, Nepal, Indonesia, and Iran. Its ability to work even during internet outages made it the activists’ choice. Mesh networks relay messages within a 100-meter range; in crowds, it reaches thousands of users.
Bitchat Download Statistics Table
| Platform | Number of Downloads | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Over 3 million | Global |
| Google Play | Over 1 million | Except China |
| Apple App Store | Available (Except China) | Other countries |
Despite the ban in China, the app has global access.
Dorsey’s BTC Connection and Bitchat’s Decentralized Legacy
Jack Dorsey, as we emphasized on our BTC detailed analysis pages, advocates Bitcoin’s censorship-resistant money vision. Bitchat brings this philosophy to communication. Like Block’s BTC futures transactions integrations, Bitchat is a step toward free networks. The China incident reminds us of BTC’s regulatory resistance.
Bitchat’s Future: Growth Potential Outside China
Despite the China ban, Bitchat is strong in other markets. While Dorsey continues open-source development, sideloading and web versions maintain access. Usage in protest areas proves the value of decentralized tech.
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