Jack Dorsey's decentralized messaging application, Bitchat, has been removed from Apple's App Store in China. The takedown, which occurred in February 2026, was executed at the direct request of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the country's internet regulator.
The CAC stated that Bitchat violated Article 3 of its regulations governing online services with public opinion or social mobilization capabilities. These rules, enacted in 2018, require such services to undergo a mandatory security assessment before launch. The regulator determined that Bitchat did not meet these compliance requirements.
Apple's app review team communicated the decision to Dorsey, emphasizing that all apps must comply with local laws in every country where they operate. "We know this stuff is complicated, but it is your responsibility to understand and make sure your app conforms with all local laws," the team stated, adding that apps promoting "criminal or reckless behavior" would be rejected.
The ban is specific to China and does not affect Bitchat's availability in other global markets. The app's unique architecture, which operates on Bluetooth and mesh networks to function without an internet connection, has made it a tool for circumventing government-imposed internet shutdowns. This feature has driven its adoption during periods of political unrest in countries like Uganda, Madagascar, Nepal, Indonesia, and Iran.
Despite the Chinese ban, Bitchat's global growth continues. Data shows the app has been downloaded over three million times in total, with more than 92,000 downloads recorded in a single recent week. In Uganda, opposition candidate Bobi Wine promoted the app to bypass election-related internet blackouts.
