China Orders Apple to Remove Jack Dorsey-Backed Bitchat App

Chinese authorities have officially ordered Apple to remove the peer-to-peer messaging app Bitchat from its App Store. The application, backed by Jack Dorsey, utilizes Bluetooth and mesh networks to function without an active internet connection. This decentralized architecture allows users to bypass traditional state censorship and the country's "Great Firewall." Bitchat previously gained international prominence for its role in facilitating communication among protesters in Iran. While the direct financial impact on Apple's revenue is expected to be minimal, the move underscores the persistent regulatory friction the company faces in China. The incident highlights the tightening grip of Chinese regulators on decentralized communication technologies and peer-to-peer platforms.