Party fears secret mobilization? Jack Dorsey: China asks Apple to take down Bitchat decentralized communications app

Apple, in response to China’s regulatory requirements, has removed the decentralized messaging app Bitchat from its platform. The app was deemed to pose risks of social mobilization due to its Bluetooth offline and mesh network characteristics, prompting attention to concerns about communication freedom and regulatory boundaries.

Block CEO Jack Dorsey (Jack Dorsey) posted on the social platform X to confirm that Apple has removed the decentralized messaging app Bitchat from China at the request of China’s internet regulatory authorities. Because the app has Bluetooth offline transmission and decentralized features, China determined that it violates relevant communication rules on social mobilization imposed by authorities.

Bitchat violates China’s cybersecurity law; Apple notifies it of removal

According to information Dorsey publicly shared, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) stated that Bitchat violated Article 3 of the Provisions on the Security Assessment of Internet-based Information Services with Attribute of Public Opinions or Capable of Social Mobilization (Internet-based information services security assessment rules with the attributes of public opinion or social mobilization). This regulation requires online services with the attributes of public opinion or social mobilization to complete an official security assessment process before they can officially launch and provide services. Apple’s app review team subsequently notified developers that both the official version of Bitchat and the TestFlight testing version cannot continue to be supplied in the Chinese market, but the app remains usable in other countries and regions.

Image source: X/@jack

How does Bitchat work?

Bitchat’s technical architecture differs significantly from traditional communication software. The app operates entirely based on Bluetooth and Mesh Network technology. This peer-to-peer communication mode does not rely on telecom infrastructure or an internet connection. Users can maintain basic communication within a range of 30 to 100 meters; by using node relaying, it enables farther-range propagation. For regulators, this design bypasses traditional network firewall filtering and content inspection systems, making it extremely difficult for the government to block it at the technical level through conventional means such as blocking the internet.

Bitchat is often used for international protest

Because Bitchat does not require an internet connection to operate, it has become a communication tool used by participants in protests across multiple countries and during internet shutdown events. In the past, in countries including Iran, Madagascar, Uganda, Nepal, and Indonesia, when governments tried to restrict information dissemination through technological means, Bitchat’s decentralized features enabled it to perform its communications function. Its ability to keep operating in special environments has brought it into conflict with Beijing’s current internet security review mechanisms, leading to a ban in the Chinese market. This is also why, following the decentralized social app Damus, another app supported by Dorsey was removed from China again.

As of early April 2026, Bitchat’s cumulative downloads across platforms worldwide have exceeded 3 million. In just the most recent week, it increased by more than 92k downloads. Public information from the Google Play Store also shows the app has more than 1 million registered download records. Although there is currently a lack of detailed data on how downloads are distributed across regional markets, its growth trend suggests that decentralized communication tools are drawing attention in certain markets. At present, the app still remains normally available in regions outside China, continuing to provide offline communication solutions.

• This article was republished with authorization from: 《鏈新聞》
• Original title: 《Jack Dorsey posts confirming that Apple, at China’s request, removes Bitchat decentralized communications software》
• Original author: DW