Technology
IFF lists four demands after BitChat App Store ban
Livemint··4 Oct
The Internet Freedom Foundation called Apple's removal of BitChat from the India App Store unconstitutional. Jack Dorsey posted Apple's notice saying MeitY sought the takedown under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000. The notice said the app includes illegal content in India. IFF said the order was unpublished and listed four demands, including withdrawal.
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What It Means For You
- Apple's notice said BitChat TestFlight builds are no longer available for testing in India.
- IFF asked Apple to disclose the demand in transparency reporting and notify Indian users.
- Users in India cannot download BitChat from the App Store while the removal stands.
What's Happening
- Dorsey shared a screenshot saying the government of India removed BitChat from the App Store.
- IFF said Section 69A permits blocking unlawful information, not a messenger for shutdown use.
- IFF said the notice does not identify the illegal content or the Section 69A ground.
What IFF asked for next
- IFF listed four demands, starting with publication of the blocking order and committee record.
- It asked that any unlawful use face targeted proceedings instead of removing the tool for everyone.
- It also asked whether parallel directions cover other apps.
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