Jack Dorsey posted to confirm that Apple has removed Bitchat, the decentralized messaging software, at China’s request.

Block CEO Jack Dorsey (Jack Dorsey) posted on the social platform X to confirm that Apple, at the request of China’s internet regulatory authorities, has removed the decentralized messaging app Bitchat from the Chinese mainland.

Bitchat 違反中國網路安全法、蘋果通知下架

Because the app has Bluetooth offline transmission and decentralized characteristics, China determined that it violates regulations on related communications for social mobilization issued by the authorities.

Based on the information publicly disclosed by Dorsey, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) stated that Bitchat violates Articles 3 of the Provisions on the Security Assessment of Internet-based Information Services with Attribute of Public Opinions or Capable of Social Mobilization (具有輿論屬性或社會動員能力的網際網路資訊服務安全評估規定). This law requires online services with attributes of public opinion or social mobilization to go through an official security assessment process before formally launching and providing services. Apple’s app review team then notified the developers that both Bitchat’s official version and its TestFlight test version cannot continue to be offered in the Chinese market, but the app can still be used and accessed in other countries and regions.

Bitchat How Does It Work?

Bitchat’s technical architecture differs significantly from traditional messaging software. The app runs entirely on Bluetooth and Mesh Network technology. This peer-to-peer communication model does not rely on telecom infrastructure or an internet connection. Users within a range of 30 to 100 meters can maintain basic communication; more distant transmission is achieved through node relays. For regulators, this design bypasses traditional network firewall filtering and content review systems, making it extremely difficult for the government to block at the technical level through conventional measures such as blocking internet access.

Bitchat Is Often Used in International Protests

Because Bitchat does not require an internet connection to operate, it has become a communications tool used by participants in protests and network shutdown events across multiple countries. In countries such as Iran, Madagascar, Uganda, Nepal, and Indonesia, when governments have attempted to limit the spread of information through technical means, Bitchat’s decentralized characteristics have played a role in enabling communications. Its ability to keep operating in special environments creates a conflict with the current internet security review mechanism of the Beijing authorities, leading to a ban in the Chinese market. This is also why, after the decentralized social app Damus, the application supported by Dorsey was once again taken down in China.

As of early April 2026, Bitchat’s total cumulative downloads across all global platforms have exceeded 3 million. In just the past week, it added more than 92k downloads. Public information from the Google Play Store also shows the app has more than 1 million registered download records. Although detailed download distribution data by regional market is currently lacking, its growth trend indicates that decentralized communication tools are drawing attention in certain markets. At present, the app continues to be normally available in regions outside China, providing ongoing offline communication solutions.

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