Trending Now - Apple Removes Dorsey's Bitchat App From China at Government's Urging

WHO:

Techmeme - Jack Dorsey is the founder of the Bitchat app.

Cointelegraph - The Chinese government, specifically the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), requested the removal of the app.

WHAT:

Techmeme - Apple removed the Bluetooth P2P messaging app Bitchat from its App Store in China.

Cointelegraph - Bitchat has been used during protests in various countries, including Madagascar, Uganda, Nepal, Indonesia, and Iran.

WHERE:

Techmeme - The app was removed from the App Store in China.

Cointelegraph - Bitchat has been utilized in protests across Madagascar, Uganda, Nepal, Indonesia, and Iran.

WHEN:

Techmeme - Bitchat was launched in July 2025.

WHY:

Techmeme - The removal of Bitchat was in response to demands from the Chinese government.

HOW:

Techmeme - The app was removed following a request from the CAC, indicating a governmental influence on app availability in China.

(UPDATED April 6, 2026 11:14 UTC)

Apple has removed the Bluetooth P2P messaging app Bitchat from its App Store in China, following a request from the Cyberspace Administration of China. Founded by Jack Dorsey and launched in July 20th25, Bitchat has been used during protests in various countries, including Madagascar, Uganda, Nepal, Indonesia, and Iran. This action highlights the influence of the Chinese government on app availability within the country.