India's Github Takedown of Bitchat Raises Legal Concerns

WHO:

TechCrunch - Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Block, is associated with the Bitchat app.

Cointelegraph - The Internet Freedom Foundation is a digital rights group commenting on the situation.

WHAT:

Techmeme - India has ordered GitHub to remove Bitchat, an offline messaging app.

Cointelegraph - The Internet Freedom Foundation describes India's takedown order as "unconstitutional."

WHERE:

TechCrunch - The Bitchat app surged in popularity in India, particularly amid protests in New Delhi.

Techmeme - The app is used by anti-government protestors in India during internet blackouts.

WHY:

Cointelegraph - The takedown order is said to exceed the government's legal authority and threatens free speech.

HOW:

Techmeme - The action was taken by India's top cybercrime watchdog, which ordered GitHub to remove the app.

(UPDATED July 24, 2026 17:27 UTC)

India has ordered GitHub to remove the Bitchat app, which has gained significant popularity among anti-government protestors in New Delhi, especially during internet blackouts. The Internet Freedom Foundation has criticized this takedown order as "unconstitutional," arguing that it exceeds the government's legal authority and poses a threat to free speech. This action was initiated by India's top cybercrime watchdog, which is now facing scrutiny for its decision regarding the app associated with Block CEO Jack Dorsey.