Jack Dorsey’s Decentralized Bitchat App Removed from China App Store | Crypto Security News
Crypto security news: Jack Dorsey’s Decentralized Bitchat App Removed from China App Store. This update explains what happened, why it matters for wallets, exchanges, traders, and users, and what the market should watch next.
Crypto Security Update
Bitchat, a decentralized peer-to-peer messaging app developed by Block CEO Jack Dorsey, has been removed from Apple’s App Store in China for allegedly violating its internet service regulations. In an X post on Sunday, Dorsey shared a screenshot from Apple’s app review team informing him that Bitchat had been removed from the App Store in February and that the TestFlight beta version would no longer be available in China at the request of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).“Bitchat pulled from the China App Store,” he said.Bitchat has seen its popularity rise during protests in Madagascar, Uganda, Nepal, Indonesia and Iran in recent months, as governments attempted to shut down regular communication channels and internet access to curb dissent. The peer-to-peer encrypted messaging service runs entirely over Bluetooth and mesh networks and operates without an internet connection, which could put it at odds with China’s internet-censorship-prone regime. Source: Jack DorseyBitchat violated internet regulator’s provisionThe CAC argued Bitchat violated Article 3 of its regulations governing online services with public opinion or social mobilization capabilities, which came into force in 2018.Under the provisions, any online services that could influence public opinion or enable social mobilization are required to conduct a security assessment before launch and “be responsible for the assessment results,” according to a Google Translate version of the regulations.The app review team also said all apps on its store must comply with local requirements in the countries where they are available.Related: Dorsey shares AI-integrated workplace vision weeks after Block’s 40% staff cut“We know this stuff is complicated, but it is your responsibility to understand and make sure your app conforms with all local laws, not just the guidelines below. And of course, apps that solicit, promote or encourage criminal or reckless behavior will be rejected,” they added.Still available in other countriesDespite being pulled in China, Bitchat remains available in other countries, according to Apple’s app review team. Chrome download stats show the app has been downloaded more than three million times, with more than 92,000 in the past week. The Google Play Store has recorded more than one million registered downloads.However, neither specifies which regions were responsible for the bulk of downloads.By comparison, WeChat, developed and operated by Tencent, one of China’s largest tech companies, has an estimated 810 million users in China, out of a national population of more than 1.4 billion.Magazine: Bitcoin may take 7 years to upgrade to post-quantum — BIP-360 co-authorCointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
Why This Security News Matters
First, this development may affect exchange safety, wallet security, user trust, and broader market sentiment. In addition, it may influence platform security practices, fund recovery efforts, and regulatory pressure. As a result, traders and crypto users should watch the next updates closely.
What To Watch Next
Watch for official statements, post-mortem reports, wallet warnings, exchange responses, and fund recovery updates. In particular, any new details about phishing, exploits, private key exposure, or security patches could directly affect the broader crypto market.
