Guwahati: The Ministry of Home Affairs’ Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has issued a takedown notice to GitHub seeking the removal of three webpages linked to Bitchat, the Bluetooth mesh messaging application created by Block CEO and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey.
The action comes after the app was reportedly used by protesters at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar during demonstrations demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Dorsey shared screenshots of the government notice on X on Friday, claiming that the Indian government wanted the technology removed. “……the government of india does not like technologies like bitchat and wants it taken down,” he wrote.
The document bears the date July 23, 2026, and is timestamped 11:16 pm.
The notice invokes Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, along with Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology Rules, 2021. It directs GitHub to take down three URLs associated with the permissionlesstech account, the main Bitchat repository, its Android repository and the Android releases page.
The authenticity of the notice could not be independently verified. I4C Chief Executive Officer Rajesh Kumar was contacted for comment, and this report will be updated if a response is received.
GitHub, a Microsoft-owned code hosting platform, allows developers to upload and maintain software projects. In the case of open-source applications such as Bitchat, the source code is stored in repositories, while installable versions are usually made available through the releases section.
According to the notice, GitHub has been asked to remove or block access to the listed webpages within three hours while ensuring that all evidence remains intact.
I4C described Bitchat as software that enables decentralised communication between devices through Bluetooth mesh technology, allowing users to exchange messages without mobile networks, internet access or central servers.
The notice claims that this architecture makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to intercept communications, identify users or conduct investigations. It also says the application could be used to avoid lawful surveillance, coordinate anonymously and bypass restrictions imposed during riots, terrorism, organised crime, internet shutdowns or other public order situations.
It further cites intelligence inputs claiming that such platforms may be used to organise unlawful assemblies, violent protests, spread misinformation, encourage radicalisation or facilitate criminal conspiracies.
The notice also argues that the lack of a central service provider restricts investigators’ ability to obtain subscriber details and communication records. It refers to alleged violations of Sections 43, 84B and 84C of the Information Technology Act, 2000, along with Section 61 read with Sections 196 and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
The order was issued by a nodal officer authorised to notify online intermediaries.