India’s cybercrime coordination center has directed GitHub to remove Bitchat, a Bluetooth-based messaging application developed by former Twitter chief executive officer Jack Dorsey, citing national security concerns.
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre said the app allows anonymous communication through nearby devices without internet access, phone number verification or centralized message records.
“The technical architecture of the application significantly impedes lawful interception, attribution and investigation by law enforcement agencies,” the agency said.
The notice followed reports that Cockroach Janta Party protesters used Bluetooth messaging applications after temporary internet restrictions were imposed near New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest site.
The party is demanding the resignation of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination failures. It also requested 1 crore rupees, approximately $103,600, for each family of students who died by suicide after the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test was canceled.
Dorsey said India wanted Bitchat removed because it disliked such technology.