Jack Dorsey’s latest app is no longer available in China. Jack Dorsey confirmed that his decentralized messaging app, Bitchat, was removed from Apple’s App Store in China earlier this year. The takedown followed a notice linked to regulators in the country, who said the app violated local internet service regulations.
But this removal only affects China. Globally, the app is still available and continues to attract new users. The major question, though, is why was Bitchat taken down in the first place?
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
What Chinese Regulators Said About Bitchat
According to Apple’s review message, the app was flagged at the request of the Cyberspace Administration of China. Regulators pointed to Article 3 of rules introduced in 2018 that apply to online services capable of influencing public opinion or mobilizing society.
In China, apps that allow large-scale communication or information sharing are required to undergo security assessments before they launch. Companies must also take responsibility for the content and activity that happens on their platforms.
Apple reminded the developer that all apps must follow local laws wherever they operate. In its message, the review team stated, “We know this stuff is complicated, but it is your responsibility to understand and make sure your app conforms with all local laws.” The company also noted that apps encouraging criminal or reckless behavior would not be approved.
For Chinese regulators, a decentralized messaging app raises obvious concerns.
What Makes Bitchat Different
Bitchat is not a typical messaging app. It’s designed to work without relying on centralized servers. Instead, it uses peer-to-peer connections and decentralized systems to allow people to communicate directly.
That structure makes it more resistant to shutdowns and censorship. During times of political unrest or internet restrictions, users have turned to apps like Bitchat to stay connected.
The app gained attention in places such as Uganda, where internet access was restricted during election periods. Supporters of opposition figures promoted it as a way to bypass connectivity blocks. Its downloads have surpassed three million globally, with steady weekly growth.
That same feature, however, makes it difficult for governments to monitor or control conversations. In China, where the internet is tightly regulated and content moderation is enforced at scale, an app built to avoid centralized oversight does not fit easily into the system.
The Bigger Picture: China’s Digital Control
China maintains one of the world’s most controlled online environments. Platforms are expected to filter sensitive content, verify users, and cooperate with government oversight.
Messaging apps operating in the country typically follow strict compliance standards. Companies that fail to meet those expectations can face removal from local app stores.
Bitchat’s decentralized design challenges that model. Without a central authority managing messages, it becomes harder to conduct the kind of oversight required under Chinese law.
This is not the first time Apple has removed apps from its China store following regulatory requests. The company has repeatedly stated that it must comply with local regulations in each country where it operates.
Who Is Jack Dorsey in This Story?
To understand why this app exists at all, it helps to look at Dorsey himself. He is best known as the co-founder of Twitter and the former CEO of Block Inc., previously known as Square.
Over the years, Dorsey has become increasingly vocal about decentralization. He has supported Bitcoin development, funded open-source initiatives, and backed projects aimed at reducing reliance on centralized platforms.
Bitchat fits into that pattern. It reflects his long-standing belief that communication tools and financial systems should not be controlled by a single authority.
For now, Bitchat continues to grow outside China. The removal has not stopped global downloads, and in some ways, it has drawn more attention to the app’s purpose.
At the same time, the episode highlights a larger tension. Decentralized apps are built to resist control. Governments, especially those with strict digital policies, are built to enforce them.
Jemi Motesho
