The Indian government has formally requested GitHub to eliminate repositories associated with Bitchat, a Bluetooth messaging application created by Jack Dorsey, a co-founder of Twitter. This action is a response to the ongoing Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests occurring in Delhi, where protesters allegedly used Bluetooth messaging apps to maintain communication following the suspension of mobile internet services.

Dorsey shared a screenshot on X that appears to show a notice from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), dated July 23. This notice mandates GitHub to disable access to three specific repositories that host Bitchat. The government claims the app’s functionality can be exploited to bypass internet shutdowns and aid in orchestrating unlawful gatherings during times of public disorder.

Legal Basis for the Removal Request

This notice highlights the government’s reliance on Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. It directs GitHub to disable access to these repositories within a time frame of three hours, including both the main project and the Android version of Bitchat.

The order describes Bitchat as an innovative communication tool capable of enabling decentralised peer-to-peer messaging via Bluetooth mesh networks, without dependency on mobile networks, internet access, or centralised servers. The architecture of the app, according to the notice, significantly hinders lawful interception, attribution, and investigations undertaken by law enforcement agencies.

The notice further asserts the government’s intelligence inputs indicate that such platforms could potentially be misused for coordinating unlawful assemblies, inciting violence, spreading misinformation, and engaging in criminal activities. The authorities express concerns that these capabilities may compromise the country’s sovereignty and public order.

Investigations into the Use of Bitchat During Protests

The allegations surrounding Bluetooth messaging apps come amid ongoing CJP protests in Delhi. Reports suggest some participants utilised Bluetooth-based applications as a means of communication after mobile internet services were curtailed in central Delhi. Consequently, Delhi Police are reportedly exploring the extent of Bluetooth messaging app usage during these protests, although there has been no confirmation that Bitchat was specifically involved.

Investigators are examining various avenues, including gathering information from app providers when feasible, reviewing CCTV footage, and analysing other digital evidence. The goal is to ascertain how protesters managed to communicate in the absence of mobile internet access.

Bitchat, which was introduced by Dorsey earlier in July, is an open-source messaging application that operates independently of conventional mobile networks, Wi-Fi, or centralised servers. The app leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to establish a mesh network, facilitating the encrypted relay of messages between nearby devices. This method enhances message transmission across devices without utilising telecom infrastructure.

Unlike traditional messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram, Bitchat does not require users to create an account or connect to the internet. This unique characteristic makes it particularly useful during internet outages; however, it also raises challenges in terms of tracing communications and retrieving user data, posing concerns for law enforcement authorities.

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