Apple removes Jack Dorsey's Bitchat app from India store on MeitY order

Apple has removed Bitchat, an offline messaging application developed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, from the India App Store following a demand from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The removal was announced by Dorsey on X on October 3rd, with Apple citing content that was illegal in India and non-compliance with App Review Guidelines.

According to the notice from Apple's App Review team, the removal was carried out under Section 69(A) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Apple stated that apps available in a country must follow applicable local laws and that developers are responsible for understanding and complying with such requirements. The developer can approach MeitY for information about the removal and legal requirements.

The action has drawn criticism from supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party, who link the removal to recent protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Critics argue the government is attempting to restrict protesters' ability to communicate with people outside the demonstration area.