The government of India has blocked the Bitchat app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and has ordered internet service providers to block its website, according to medianama.com. The app was first targeted in July under Section 79(a) of Indian law, with authorities citing concerns over potential misuse, lack of surveillance, no mandatory registration, and absence of phone number verification.
The initial order in July was challenged for its legality, as no Indian law requires messaging apps to collect user data or build surveillance features. Medianama highlighted that Bitchat had broken no law and compared its function to 'Chinese whispers,' emphasizing that private conversations are not criminal. Despite these arguments, the government proceeded with the removal from app stores and website blocking, acting without apparent regard for constitutional considerations.
This move underscores ongoing tensions between digital privacy and government regulation in India. The ban reflects the government's approach to online platforms it deems risky due to anonymity and lack of centralized user data. The case of Bitchat is notable as it challenges the boundaries of lawful regulation, given that no existing law mandates the data collection the government cited as justification. This action raises questions about the scope of government authority over digital communication tools.
The Bitchat ban follows the initial July order and represents a continuation of the government's efforts to control apps it views as vulnerable to misuse. Medianama's reporting indicates that the government acts with impunity in these matters, with no public indication of legal challenges succeeding against the ban.