decentralized messaging Archives

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Govt orders GitHub to remove code for internet-free messaging app

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has directed GitHub to remove three repositories associated with the Bitchat messaging application, co-founded by Jack Dorsey. This action is one of the first implementations of the amended IT Rules' "reasoned intimation" mechanism, extending the takedown framework to software repositories. I4C expressed concerns about Bitchat's potential misuse for unlawful activities such as coordinating unlawful assemblies, inciting violent protests, disseminating misinformation, radicalization, and criminal conspiracies. The application allows for anonymous communication without user registration or centralized logging, complicating law enforcement's ability to conduct lawful interception and investigations.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Amid youth protests, Centre directs blocking of messaging app that works without internet: Developer

The Union Home Ministry has requested GitHub to remove repositories related to Bitchat, a Bluetooth-based messaging app that functions without internet connectivity, due to security concerns amid protests in central Delhi. Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, shared the directive, which aims to suppress the availability of such technologies. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre has expressed worries that decentralized communication tools like Bitchat could be misused for unlawful activities. The directive, issued under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, requires GitHub to disable access to three Bitchat-related repositories within three hours. The Internet Freedom Foundation criticized the government's lack of transparency and argued that concerns about potential misuse do not justify banning access to the app's code. The protests, initiated by the Cockroach Janta Party, are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged mismanagement of competitive examinations, with increased support following police actions against demonstrators.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

GitHub ordered to remove decentralized messaging app Bitchat in India

India's Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered GitHub to remove repositories related to Jack Dorsey's Bitchat application, citing concerns that the platform could allow users to bypass internet shutdowns and evade surveillance. The directive targets the software itself rather than specific unlawful content, referencing Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and requires compliance within three hours to avoid legal repercussions for GitHub. The repositories in question are: - github.com/permissionlesstech/bitchat - github.com/permissionlesstech/bitchat-android - github.com/permissionlesstech/bitchat-android/releases Bitchat is a decentralized messaging app that operates over Bluetooth mesh networks, which does not require internet access and facilitates anonymous communication. The app's design includes features like end-to-end encryption and no mandatory user registration. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) claims the app could be misused for illegal activities and cites local laws as justification for the takedown. The order comes amid ongoing protests in New Delhi, where internet access has been suspended. The Internet Freedom Foundation has criticized the order as unconstitutional and has called for its retraction. It is currently unclear if GitHub will comply with the takedown request.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

India orders takedown of Jack Dorsey’s bitcoin-linked messaging app Bitchat

India's Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has ordered GitHub to remove Bitchat, an offline messaging app created by Jack Dorsey, due to its use by anti-government demonstrators in Delhi. The order, issued under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, targets three GitHub repositories linked to Bitchat and requires action within three hours. The app enables anonymous communication without registration, posing challenges for law enforcement regarding lawful interception and investigation. Bitchat is a decentralized messaging tool that uses Bluetooth mesh networks for encrypted communication without internet access, and it also supports offline bitcoin transactions, ensuring continuity during outages or shutdowns.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Apple removes Jack Dorsey’s P2P messenger Bitchat from China App Store

Apple has removed Jack Dorsey's decentralized peer-to-peer messaging service, Bitchat, from its China App Store following a request from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). The app's beta version was also suspended in the region. Dorsey confirmed that Bitchat was removed in February, and Apple stated that all apps must comply with local laws and regulations. The CAC noted that Bitchat violated regulations requiring online services that can influence public opinion to undergo a security assessment. Bitchat remains available in other countries, with over 3 million downloads on Chrome and more than 1 million on Google Play.

AppWizard

April 6, 2026

China Blocked Jack Dorsey’s Decentralized Messenger bitchat

Chinese authorities have ordered the removal of Jack Dorsey’s decentralized messaging app, bitchat, from the local App Store due to concerns about its potential to disrupt information control during civil unrest. Apple complied by removing both the main and beta versions of the app. The app remains accessible outside of China. Dorsey stated that the removal reflects bitchat's influence on public discourse. The Chinese regulator cited violations of regulations that require online services capable of swaying public opinion to undergo security reviews before launch. Bitchat operates independently of traditional internet infrastructure using Bluetooth and mesh networking technology, making it resistant to censorship. It has gained attention in regions with internet restrictions and was introduced in July 2025. Bitchat has over 3 million downloads, with more than 92,000 in the past week and over 1 million installs on Google Play. Additionally, Block, the parent company, recently reduced its workforce by about 40%, equating to around 4,000 employees, due to AI implementation and process optimization.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Decentralizing Trust — An Interview with the Team Behind Session Messenger

Session is a decentralized messaging platform that prioritizes user anonymity and metadata resistance. It operates on a network of community-operated servers, eliminating central authority and personal identifiers such as phone numbers or emails for account creation. This design minimizes risks of data breaches and unauthorized tracking. Session does not collect user metadata, which distinguishes it from other messaging apps that may expose user insights through metadata. Users are assigned randomly generated cryptographic keys instead of traditional identifiers, ensuring secure messaging. Messages are routed via a protocol called Onion Requests, which strips metadata during transmission. The platform is open-source, benefiting from community contributions, and aims to enhance user privacy by employing anonymous routing. Recent developments include a migration to the Session Network for improved accessibility and security, and a move to Switzerland for better data protection. Session is introducing a Pro tier to enhance user experience while maintaining free access for all. The platform emphasizes the importance of transparency and robust design in communication tools.

AppWizard

July 30, 2025

Jack Dorsey’s Bluetooth Messaging App Bitchat Hits App Store Top 200

Jack Dorsey announced that his decentralized messaging app, Bitchat, has reached position 186 in the Business category of Apple’s App Store. Bitchat operates over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks, allowing communication without central servers, user accounts, or phone numbers. The app focuses on ephemeral messaging and stores data only in device memory. Block Inc. is included in the S&P 500 and holds 8,584 Bitcoin valued at over a billion dollars.

AppWizard

July 18, 2025

Crypto Messaging App Ephemera Bags $20M Series B at $300M Valuation

Ephemera, a blockchain-based messaging platform, secured million in a Series B funding round, co-led by Union Square Ventures, A16z Crypto, and Lightspeed Faction, achieving a valuation of 0 million. The round included participation from Coinbase, Sound Ventures, and actor Ashton Kutcher. The funding was structured as equity with token warrants, and Fred Wilson from Union Square Ventures joined Ephemera’s board. The platform is developed by the creators of XMTP, a decentralized messaging network utilizing IETF-standard Messaging Layer Security, which is trusted by companies like Mozilla, Google, Wire, and Cisco. XMTP aims to allow users to transfer conversations between different messaging apps, addressing concerns about centralization and user ownership of messages.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Twitter Co-Founder Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat Aims to Kickstart the Offline Messaging Revolution

Jack Dorsey is developing Bitchat, a decentralized messaging application created over a weekend. It operates on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks, allowing devices within a 300-meter range to exchange encrypted messages without the need for internet connectivity or phone numbers. Bitchat forms a dynamic mesh network where messages can hop through nearby devices if a direct connection is unavailable. Messages are end-to-end encrypted, stored only on the sender's and receiver's devices, and disappear after a set time. Users can create group discussions, called "rooms," with hashtags and passwords, and a "Panic Mode" feature enables quick data deletion. Bitchat includes store-and-forward messaging for offline users and has plans for a Wi-Fi Direct update. The app does not collect personal information or track user activity, making it suitable for use in regions with censorship or network issues. Its beta launch on TestFlight quickly reached 10,000 users, and it features a minimalist interface for ease of use. The open-source code is available on GitHub for developer contributions.