Apple has removed the decentralized messaging application Bitchat from its China App Store after receiving a request from China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC), citing violations of local internet service regulations.
According to a notice sent to the app’s developers, Apple stated that the removal was made “per demand from the CAC” because the application contains content considered illegal under Chinese law and does not comply with the company’s App Review Guidelines related to legal compliance.
The CAC reportedly determined that the app violated provisions under China’s internet security assessment rules for services capable of influencing public opinion or enabling social mobilization. These regulations allow authorities to restrict platforms that could potentially be used to coordinate protests or distribute unregulated information.
Bitchat, a decentralized messaging platform associated with Block CEO Jack Dorsey, is designed to operate using peer-to-peer mesh networking technology. Unlike traditional messaging apps that rely on centralized servers and internet connectivity, Bitchat allows users to communicate through nearby devices using Bluetooth-based connections.
This architecture enables messages to be transmitted even when internet access is unavailable or restricted, a feature that has drawn interest from privacy advocates and activists worldwide.
However, the same capability has also raised concerns among regulators in countries that maintain strict control over digital communications. Authorities fear that decentralized communication tools could bypass government monitoring systems or remain functional during internet shutdowns.
Apple confirmed that while the app has been removed from the China App Store, it remains available in other regions where local laws permit its distribution. The company also noted that TestFlight builds of the application will no longer function for testers located in China.
Despite the removal, Bitchat has continued to gain attention globally for its privacy-focused design and its ability to function without internet infrastructure. Supporters argue that such technologies are increasingly important in regions where online communication may be restricted.
The development highlights the ongoing tension between decentralized technology platforms and national regulatory frameworks that seek to maintain control over digital information flows.
