Apple Pulls Down Jack Dorsey's Bitchat Messaging Service From China's App Store For Containing 'Illegal' Content

Apple has delisted the Bitchat messaging service from China’s App Store on orders from authorities, Block Inc. (NYSE:XYZ) CEO Jack Dorsy revealed on Sunday.

China Censors Bitchat

Dorsey posted Apple’s notification that the app was taken down after the Cyberspace Administration of China alleged it contained “illegal” content.

“Apps must comply with all legal requirements in any location where you make them available,” the notification read. “We know this stuff is complicated, but it is your responsibility to understand and make sure your app conforms with all local laws.”

Apple added that the app remains available in other jurisdictions.

Notably, Apple slashed App Store fees for developers in China earlier this month amid increasing regulatory pressure in its second-largest market.

What’s Special About Bitchat?

Dorsey launched Bitchat, a Bluetooth-based messaging app that requires no internet, last year.

According to the white paper, Bitchat provides “ephemeral messaging,” meaning that messages are stored only in the device's memory and not on any central database. The system operates within a 30-meter Bluetooth range, using bridge nodes to link separate clusters.

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman pitched the app as a useful communication tool in censored environments, such as those in Iran during the anti-regime protests earlier this year.

Interestingly, the app can also be used to send Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC). 

Price Action: Block shares closed 0.40% higher at $59.78 on Thursday. Year-to-date, the stock has risen over 8%.

Block (XYZ) stock showed a positive short-term price trend but underperformed in medium- and long-term rankings, per Benzinga’s Edge Stock Rankings.

Photo by Frederic Legrand – COMEO on Shutterstock