Apple Removes Jack Dorsey's Bitchat from China App Store at Beijing's Request

Apple has removed Jack Dorsey's decentralized messaging app Bitchat from its China App Store, complying with the Cyberspace Administration of China's (CAC) request. The app, which operates over Bluetooth and mesh networks, has been used in protests in several countries as governments restricted internet access.

• Apple removed Bitchat from the China App Store at the request of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).
• Bitchat, a decentralized messaging app, has been used in protests in Madagascar, Uganda, Nepal, Indonesia, and Iran.
• The app operates over Bluetooth and mesh networks without requiring an internet connection.
• The CAC cited Article 3 of its 2018 regulations, which governs online services with public opinion or social mobilization capabilities.
• Bitchat has been downloaded over three million times via Chrome and over one million times on Google Play, though regional download data is unspecified.