India Orders GitHub to Block ‘Offline Messaging App’ Amid Student Protests

India’s Home Ministry has directed GitHub to block repositories related to an offline messaging app called ‘Bridgefy’ or ‘Briar’, also known as ‘BitChat’, amid ongoing student protests in Delhi.

The app, which allows users to communicate without internet, has been gaining popularity among protesters. Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, who developed the open-source app, shared a copy of the Home Ministry’s order on social media.

What is BitChat and how does it work?

BitChat is an open-source, decentralized messaging app that allows users to communicate without mobile data, Wi-Fi, phone numbers, or a central server. Its offline mode uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to connect nearby phones, allowing messages to be relayed through a network of devices.

According to its GitHub page, a message can pass through up to seven devices to reach its destination. The app also uses the ‘Nostr’ protocol to send messages when internet is available, and all personal messages are end-to-end encrypted, requiring no account or personal information from users.

Government Concerns

The Home Ministry’s order cites concerns that the app’s peer-to-peer Bluetooth communication system could hinder legal surveillance and investigation. It also warns that the app’s design could be misused by anti-state elements, criminal groups, and cybercriminals to evade law enforcement.

The government has expressed concerns that such platforms could be used to coordinate violent protests, spread misinformation, and plan criminal conspiracies during internet shutdowns.

Background

The student protests in Delhi, which have been ongoing for over a week, have led to the government shutting down mobile data services for the sixth time. Internet services have been suspended in a 1.5 km radius around the protest site and nearby areas, affecting not only protesters but also local businesses, shops, and the general public.

People have been complaining about being unable to make online payments through UPI and use regular messaging apps due to the internet shutdown. The government’s move to block BitChat is seen as an attempt to restrict communication among protesters during the shutdown.