News: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed GitHub to remove three repositories hosting BitChat.
About
- BitChat is an open-source, decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) messaging application.
- Works without internet, cellular networks, or central servers.
- Developed by Jack Dorsey (co-founder of Twitter/X & CEO of Block); concept by Doris Lima.
How It Works
- Uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to create device-to-device mesh networks (range: ~30–100 m).
- Each smartphone acts as both a client and relay node, forwarding encrypted messages.
- Integrates with the Nostr protocol when internet connectivity is available.
Key Features
- Internet-independent communication during blackouts or disasters.
- No registration (no phone number, email, or central account required).
- End-to-end encryption using the Noise Protocol Framework.
- No central servers or communication logs.
- Supports ephemeral messaging and panic mode for quick data deletion.
Implications
- Makes lawful interception and user identification difficult due to the absence of central logs.
- Can enable communication during internet shutdowns and bypass surveillance.
- Raises due process concerns over repository removal under Section 79(3)(b) instead of Section 69A of the IT Act.