Bitchat App Ban: What is Bitchat App, on which the government has tightened its grip? Works even when the internet is down; Know the main reason for the action

New Delhi. The central government has launched a new and popular messaging app that works without internet. bitchat Strict action has been taken against. Government open-source platform GitHub Has been ordered to immediately remove the source code of this app (Takedown). The app is backed by former Twitter (now X) CEO Jack Dorsey. Security agencies are on alert mode regarding this app which connects people to each other through Bluetooth without mobile network or internet. Let us understand what this Bitchat app is and why the government has decided to ban it.

What is Bitchat app and how does it work without internet?

Bitchat is an app based on ‘Bluetooth Mesh Network’ technology. Its biggest feature is that it does not require internet, Wi-Fi or mobile data (Cellular Network) to run it.

This app creates a network chain by connecting to nearby smartphones via Bluetooth. That means the message is easily delivered from one phone to another and then to the third phone. Jack Dorsey promoted this app as an option for free speech and emergency communication during Internet shutdowns.

Government took action after it was used during NEET demonstration

According to reports, Bitchat app was used extensively by the agitators during the recent massive protests in Delhi over the NEET paper leak issue. Even when the internet was shut down in Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas due to security reasons, the protesters remained connected to each other through this app and kept making strategies.

Security agencies considered it a major threat to national security and law and order, after which action was taken to block its GitHub repository on the instructions of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).

Why did the government object? (3 main reasons for action)

• Outside Lawful Interception: Bitchat’s messages are completely encrypted and it runs without the internet. Because of this, security agencies and police are not able to monitor the activities of anti-social elements.

• Fear of encouraging riots and illegal gathering: Despite the internet being shut down, miscreants, criminal networks and protesters can organize secret meetings and illegal gatherings with the help of this app.

• Bypassing the security loop: In case of emergency, when communication services are stopped to maintain peace, this app completely neutralizes that security system.

Privacy vs. Security: Internet Freedom Foundation’s stance

After this decision of the government, the debate of ‘Privacy vs National Security’ has once again erupted in the country. Digital rights organizations like the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) argue that open-source tools like Bitchat become an important means of communication for ordinary citizens and journalists during times of emergency or internet blackout. Organizations say that instead of imposing a complete ban, the government should adopt a balanced and legal path.