Apple has removed Bitchat, a decentralized messaging application developed by Block CEO Jack Dorsey, from its China App Store following a request from the country’s internet regulator. The removal reflects ongoing tensions between global technology platforms and Chinese authorities over digital communication tools. The app remains accessible to users outside of China.
Chinese regulators determined that Bitchat violated rules governing online services that carry public opinion functions or social mobilization capabilities. Under these regulations, platforms with such features are required to undergo security assessments before they can be made available to the public. Bitchat had not completed this process prior to its launch in the Chinese market.
Bitchat operates using Bluetooth and mesh networking technology, allowing users to communicate without relying on a traditional internet connection. This design makes the app functional in environments where internet access is restricted or unavailable. The offline capability has contributed to its adoption in protest settings across multiple countries.
The app’s ability to function independently of centralized infrastructure has drawn particular attention from authorities in nations with strict controls over digital communications. Its use during demonstrations in several countries has highlighted the potential for such tools to facilitate coordination outside the reach of conventional network monitoring. These characteristics appear to have contributed to regulators’ concerns in China.
The removal adds to a broader pattern of Chinese authorities requiring foreign technology companies to comply with local content and security standards as a condition of market access. Apple has previously faced scrutiny over its decisions to comply with such requests, balancing its commercial presence in China against criticism from privacy advocates and human rights organizations. The company has not issued a public statement specifically addressing the Bitchat removal.
Originally reported by CoinDesk.
