India Orders GitHub to Remove Jack Dorsey’s Bitcoin-Linked Bitchat

Bitchat is an open-source messaging app launched in July 2025 by Jack Dorsey, the Block CEO and Twitter co-founder. It uses Bluetooth-based peer-to-peer mesh networking to transmit encrypted messages without internet access, central servers, user accounts or phone numbers. Its ability to operate during internet shutdowns and platform blocks has driven adoption during protests in countries including Iran, while making the service difficult to control through conventional censorship tools.

Apple removed Bitchat from its China App Store on Feb. 28, 2026, at the request of the Cyberspace Administration of China, and also disabled access to its TestFlight beta in the country. Dorsey disclosed the action on X on April 5 by posting a screenshot of Apple’s notice. The CAC cited Article 3 of security-assessment rules covering online services with “public opinion” or “social mobilization” capabilities. Bitchat remains available through Apple’s storefronts in other markets.

Block CEO Jack Dorsey has long argued that Bitcoin should be the internet’s native currency. The company also holds 8,888.3 Bitcoin and has invested in mining hardware and the Lightning Network. With Stripe and PayPal entering the stablecoin market, customer demand and competitive pressure have prompted Block to shift away from its Bitcoin-only approach.

On May 27, 2026, Block confirmed that Cash App was rolling out Circle’s USDC in phases. The initial release covered 25% of its nearly 60 million users, with access expected to expand to all users by the end of that week. The service supports Ethereum, Solana, Polygon and Arbitrum, with a daily withdrawal limit of $2,000 and a weekly receiving limit of $10,000. It is not currently available in New York state.