Apple has taken the significant step of removing Jack Dorsey’s decentralized peer-to-peer messaging service, Bitchat, from its China App Store. This decision follows a formal request from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), as reported by Cointelegraph on April 6. The beta version of the app, which was accessible via TestFlight, has also been suspended in the region.
Dorsey shared the contents of a notice he received from Apple’s app review team on X, formerly known as Twitter. The notice indicated that Bitchat had been removed from the China App Store back in February, and that the TestFlight version was also taken down at the CAC’s request. Dorsey succinctly stated, “Bitchat has been taken down from the China App Store.”
In its defense, Apple reiterated that all apps available on its platform must adhere to local laws and regulations. The company emphasized that it is the developer’s responsibility to navigate and comply with these legal requirements, which can often be complex. Furthermore, Apple noted that apps promoting criminal or reckless behavior may face rejection during the review process.
Features and Implications of Bitchat
Bitchat distinguishes itself as a decentralized messaging service that operates without the need for an internet connection. Utilizing Bluetooth and mesh networks, it facilitates direct device-to-device communication, all while ensuring end-to-end encryption. This unique structure has reportedly led to a surge in usage in regions facing internet restrictions or controls in recent months.
Chinese authorities have expressed concerns regarding the app’s potential to foster “opinion formation and social mobilization.” The CAC concluded that Bitchat contravened regulations established in 2018, which mandate that online services capable of influencing public opinion or enabling social mobilization undergo a security assessment prior to their launch and are held accountable for their outcomes.
While Bitchat has been removed from the Chinese market, it continues to be available in other countries, where its download figures are on the rise. Cumulative downloads on Chrome have exceeded 3 million, with approximately 92,000 new downloads recorded in just the past week. Additionally, Google Play has reported over 1 million downloads of the app.
The industry’s reaction to this development suggests a growing recognition of the tensions between decentralized technologies and national regulations. As P2P services operate without central servers, they present challenges for existing regulatory frameworks, leading to speculation that governmental responses to similar services may become more pronounced in the future.
