Apple Inc. has removed the decentralized messaging app Bitchat, developed by Block Inc. CEO Jack Dorsey, from its China App Store following a formal demand from Chinese regulators. The removal took effect on February 28, 2026, as notified by Apple to Dorsey.
CAC Cites Article 3 of Security Assessment Rules
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) determined that Bitchat violates Article 3 of the "Provisions on the Security Assessment of Internet-based Information Services with Attribute of Public Opinions or Capable of Social Mobilization." This regulation mandates that any service with potential to influence public opinion must undergo a state-required security review. Bitchat, which operates via Bluetooth mesh networking without requiring internet connectivity or national infrastructure, was flagged for its "social mobilization" capabilities.
Apple confirmed that the app is no longer available in China but remains accessible globally through App Store Connect. Additionally, the Testflight version of Bitchat—which had previously reached its maximum capacity of 10,000 testers—has been disabled for all users and internal testers located in mainland China.
Decentralized Messaging Under Scrutiny
Bitchat is designed for off-grid communication, allowing messages to be relayed device-to-device even when traditional internet access is blocked or restricted. This technical design naturally challenges centralized oversight, putting it at odds with China's content control framework. The app saw rapid adoption in Iran during a nationwide internet blackout, though details of that case are not included in the original report.
Apple has consistently complied with Chinese regulatory requests. While Bitchat still operates in other territories, losing the world's largest mobile market poses significant headwinds for its growth and global compliance strategy. Neither Jack Dorsey nor Block has publicly commented on the takedown as of press time.