Govt's Cyber Arm I4C Orders GitHub To Disable BitChat Repositories Over Security Concerns
Govt's Cyber Arm I4C Orders GitHub To Disable BitChat Repositories Over Security Concerns Reported By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 17:48 IST The takedown order
Govt's Cyber Arm I4C Orders GitHub To Disable BitChat Repositories Over Security Concerns Reported By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 17:48 IST The takedown order comes while Delhi Police are investigating whether Bluetooth-based messaging tools were used during the recent Cockroach Janta Party-led 'Sansad Chalo' march While law enforcement agencies are examining the use of offline mesh apps during the demonstrations, officials have not publicly confirmed whether BitChat specifically was deployed. Representational image The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has directed code-hosting platform GitHub to disable access to three repositories hosting BitChat. BitChat is an open-source messaging application designed to operate offline via Bluetooth mesh networks. The directive was issued under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, read alongside Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021. GitHub was instructed to block access to the designated repositories within three hours of receiving the notice.
Key Security Concerns Raised by Authorities According to the official communication, BitChat enables decentralised peer-to-peer messaging without relying on cellular networks, internet connectivity, or central servers. The application requires no mandatory user registration, phone number verification, or central message logging. The I4C highlighted several investigative and security risks associated with this setup Impediment to Attribution: The app’s decentralised architecture “significantly impedes lawful interception, attribution, and investigation" by law enforcement agencies, as data moves directly between neighbouring devices rather than through a central provider. Bypassing Restrictions: Authorities noted that such platforms can be exploited to evade surveillance or bypass internet suspensions during riots, public order disruptions, terrorism, organised crime, or unlawful assemblies. Absence of Metadata: Without a central service provider or server logs, investigators cannot retrieve subscriber details or communication records during criminal inquiries. Context: Delhi Police Probing Offline Apps in Recent Protests The takedown order comes while Delhi Police are investigating whether Bluetooth-based messaging tools were used during the recent Cockroach Janta Party-led “Sansad Chalo" march, which occurred amid temporary mobile internet restrictions in parts of the national capital.
While law enforcement agencies are examining the use of offline mesh apps during the demonstrations, officials have not publicly confirmed whether BitChat specifically was deployed. How Bluetooth Mesh Networks Operate Unlike traditional messaging applications that rely on cellular towers or web servers, a Bluetooth mesh network establishes direct, device-to-device communication channels. Relay Nodes: Participating smartphones act as both endpoints and relay stations, forwarding encrypted message packets across nearby devices. Extended Range: While a single Bluetooth Low Energy link spans 10 to 100 metres, hopping messages across multiple intermediate devices allows communication to travel across much larger distances without internet access. Automatic Discovery: Devices discover each other locally using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct protocols without registering on any external server. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Ankur Sharma Associate Editor With more than 17 years in journalism, Ankur Sharma is an Associate Editor specializing in internal security and strategic affairs.
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