India has ordered GitHub to take down three code repositories linked to the messaging app Bitchat, citing the app's use during internet shutdowns imposed during protests. The directive, issued by Indian authorities, targets repositories that are related to the app's functionality or distribution.
Why Bitchat drew India's attention
Bitchat is a messaging app designed to work even when the internet is cut off, making it a tool for communication during government-imposed shutdowns. Indian authorities have repeatedly blocked internet access in regions experiencing protests, and apps like Bitchat have been used to bypass those restrictions. The order specifically mentions the app's role during protest internet shutdowns as the reason for the takedown.
The scope of the takedown order
The Indian government did not specify which three repositories were targeted or what code they contained. It is unclear whether the repositories hosted the app's source code, documentation, or other related material. GitHub, the code-hosting platform owned by Microsoft, has not publicly commented on the order. The company typically reviews government takedown requests for legal validity but has not indicated whether it will comply or challenge the directive.
What happens next
It is not known whether GitHub has already removed the repositories or is contesting the order. The Indian government has not set a public deadline for compliance. The situation leaves open the question of how code-hosting platforms will handle government demands tied to protest-related tools.
