Government orders GitHub to remove Bluetooth-based chat app Bitchat: Jack Dorsey(thehindu.com)
478 points by rootkea 23 hours ago | 349 comments
tl;dr: India's Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has ordered GitHub to remove Bitchat, a Bluetooth mesh-based messaging app developed by Jack Dorsey, citing risks that its decentralized, anonymous architecture could be exploited by terrorists, criminals, and protesters to evade lawful surveillance and internet shutdowns. The takedown request follows observed use of the app during a recent protest at Jantar Mantar where internet services were restricted, and alleges violations of multiple sections of India's IT Act.
HN Discussion:
  • Government's ban reveals its fear of uncontrolled communication and authoritarian tendencies
  • Context about ongoing protests explains why India is cracking down on communication tools now
  • India has a long history of restricting communications, from VOIP to satellite phones
  • The ban ironically publicizes Bitchat and the app remains accessible anyway
  • Bluetooth mesh protocols could theoretically be modified to allow suppression standards