India’s cybercrime agency has directed GitHub to restrict access to three repositories connected to Bitchat, an open-source messaging app that works without internet access or central servers. The request has prompted digital rights groups to question whether authorities can target software code based on its technical capabilities rather than identified unlawful content.
The July 23 notice was issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It gave GitHub three hours to remove or disable access to Bitchat’s main source-code repository, Android repository and Android installation page.
Notice Targets Bitchat’s Architecture
Bitchat allows nearby users to exchange encrypted messages through Bluetooth mesh networks. It does not require mobile data, Wi-Fi, phone numbers or centrally operated servers for local communication.
The government notice said the app could continue operating during internet shutdowns and network restrictions. It argued that Bitchat’s anonymous and decentralised design makes lawful interception, attribution and criminal investigations more difficult.
The order cited Section 79(3)(b) of India’s Information Technology Act and Rule 3(1)(d) of the 2021 intermediary rules. Those provisions can require online platforms to remove access to unlawful information, but legal advocates have questioned whether they clearly cover an entire software project that does not itself contain identified illegal material.
Request Follows Student Protests
The notice emerged during student-led demonstrations over alleged examination paper leaks and demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Indian authorities restricted marches toward parliament, while reports indicated that some protesters downloaded offline messaging tools after internet access was disrupted.
Bitchat downloads rose sharply in India during the protests. Sensor Tower data cited in the report showed that the country accounted for about 85% of global downloads between July 17 and July 23, compared with approximately 1% during the preceding 30 days.
Rights Groups Question Effectiveness
The Internet Freedom Foundation argued that removing the repositories would not disable copies already installed on phones. Because the software is open source, its code can also be copied, modified and hosted elsewhere.
The group said removing the source code would instead make independent examination of the software more difficult. Other digital rights advocates warned that restricting an offline communication tool during an internet shutdown could leave users without reliable ways to communicate privately.
GitHub said it notifies affected account owners when it receives a complete government takedown request and publishes requests on which it takes action. Bitchat’s primary GitHub repository remained accessible when checked on Friday.
Featured image credits: PNGimg.com
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