The app allows anonymous communication without mandatory user registration, phone number verification or centralised logging of messages NEW DELHI: Digital rights advocacy group Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has termed govt’s order directing GitHub to remove the source code repositories of Bluetooth-based messaging app BitChat “unconstitutional and authoritarian”.In a statement Friday, IFF said the order, issued by Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the home ministry, directed GitHub to disable access to three BitChat repositories, including the Android application and release files, within three hours. It added that the order warned the platform of loss of safe harbour protection and possible criminal prosecution for non-compliance.It argued govt relied on Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act and Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, instead of the dedicated blocking framework under Section 69A of the IT Act and the Blocking Rules, 2009, that require procedural safeguards such as recorded reasons and an opportunity for hearing.CJP Jantar Mantar Protest UpdatesDharmendra Pradhan resigns as Union education minister amid massive student protests’We won’t go’: CJP’s Dipke says protests to continue till all demands metFresh clashes at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan’s exit; tear gas fired, stones peltedIFF also contended that the order did not identify any specific unlawful content in the repositories and instead objected to BitChat’s ability to function during internet shutdowns through Bluetooth mesh networking. It said anticipating potential misuse of a communications tool was not a sufficient legal basis for ordering its removal.The foundation criticised the three-hour compliance window, saying it effectively denied GitHub meaningful legal recourse, and demanded that govt withdraw the notice.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Time To Go Home’: CJP Removes Stage, Urges Protesters To Leave Jantar Mantar’Don’t Waste This Energy On One Resignation’: Yogendra Yadav On CJP Future, ‘Police Brutality’RSS Loyalist Pralhad Joshi Appointed As India’s New Education Minister Hours After Pradhan’s ExitPost Protest, Volunteers Launch Cleanliness Drive At Jantar Mantar’Wangchuk, Dipke Joined AISA’s Protest’: Harsh Dubey On NEET, Reservation, Jantar Mantar ProtestJantar Mantar Erupts In Celebration As Pradhan Resigns, Delhi Metro Reopens All Station Gates’Proof That We Can Take Anyone’s Resignation’: Abhijeet Dipke After Pradhan Quits | Jantar MantarEducation Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns After Month-Long Protests, Lathi Charge Fury’No Information On Foreign Funding’ MEA Claims As CJP Protest Intensifies NationwideCJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke Diagnosed With Typhoid, Says Protest Continues Until Pradhan Resigns123PhotostoriesNeurologists see these 8 brain health mistakes almost every day, and many people don’t realise they’re making themTV actors who battled cancer: From Helen McCrory to Alan RickmanFrom Kanjeevaram to Banarasi: What different silk sarees say about youFrom ‘Mission: Impossible’ to ‘Bullet Train’: 5 heist films that deserve a spot on your watchlist8 famous foods named after real people10 forgotten Indian protein-rich foods grandparents ate regularlyFrom the cats of Red Keep to a good old game of Cyvasse: All of the ‘GoT’ references in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 35 most unusual things people have travelled for around the worldPriyanka Chahar Choudhary’s Greek inspired lavish Mumbai home: A massive living room, a jacuzzi and more5 best ways to stand up for yourself at work without damaging professional relationships123Hot PicksSchool holiday todayDelhi metroCJP ProtestMumbai rainGujarat RainAIIMS notificationNEET paper controversyAAI recruitment 2026Caitline ClarkTop TrendingMP NEET Arpirant RapeNEET Paper LeakCJP Protester AssaultedKerala IPS Ajith Kumar SuspensionAssam Flood DeathsDelhi Metro Stations ClosedMumbai ProtestUP Amroha WeddingHarbhajan singhIND U19 vs Sri Lanka U19

The app allows anonymous communication without mandatory user registration, phone number verification or centralised logging of messages NEW DELHI: Digital rights advocacy group Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has termed govt’s order directing GitHub to remove the source code repositories of Bluetooth-based messaging app BitChat “unconstitutional and authoritarian”.In a statement Friday, IFF said the order, issued by Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the home ministry, directed GitHub to disable access to three BitChat repositories, including the Android application and release files, within three hours. It added that the order warned the platform of loss of safe harbour protection and possible criminal prosecution for non-compliance.It argued govt relied on Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act and Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, instead of the dedicated blocking framework under Section 69A of the IT Act and the Blocking Rules, 2009, that require procedural safeguards such as recorded reasons and an opportunity for hearing.CJP Jantar Mantar Protest UpdatesDharmendra Pradhan resigns as Union education minister amid massive student protests’We won’t go’: CJP’s Dipke says protests to continue till all demands metFresh clashes at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan’s exit; tear gas fired, stones peltedIFF also contended that the order did not identify any specific unlawful content in the repositories and instead objected to BitChat’s ability to function during internet shutdowns through Bluetooth mesh networking. It said anticipating potential misuse of a communications tool was not a sufficient legal basis for ordering its removal.The foundation criticised the three-hour compliance window, saying it effectively denied GitHub meaningful legal recourse, and demanded that govt withdraw the notice.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Time To Go Home’: CJP Removes Stage, Urges Protesters To Leave Jantar Mantar’Don’t Waste This Energy On One Resignation’: Yogendra Yadav On CJP Future, ‘Police Brutality’RSS Loyalist Pralhad Joshi Appointed As India’s New Education Minister Hours After Pradhan’s ExitPost Protest, Volunteers Launch Cleanliness Drive At Jantar Mantar’Wangchuk, Dipke Joined AISA’s Protest’: Harsh Dubey On NEET, Reservation, Jantar Mantar ProtestJantar Mantar Erupts In Celebration As Pradhan Resigns, Delhi Metro Reopens All Station Gates’Proof That We Can Take Anyone’s Resignation’: Abhijeet Dipke After Pradhan Quits | Jantar MantarEducation Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns After Month-Long Protests, Lathi Charge Fury’No Information On Foreign Funding’ MEA Claims As CJP Protest Intensifies NationwideCJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke Diagnosed With Typhoid, Says Protest Continues Until Pradhan Resigns123PhotostoriesNeurologists see these 8 brain health mistakes almost every day, and many people don’t realise they’re making themTV actors who battled cancer: From Helen McCrory to Alan RickmanFrom Kanjeevaram to Banarasi: What different silk sarees say about youFrom ‘Mission: Impossible’ to ‘Bullet Train’: 5 heist films that deserve a spot on your watchlist8 famous foods named after real people10 forgotten Indian protein-rich foods grandparents ate regularlyFrom the cats of Red Keep to a good old game of Cyvasse: All of the ‘GoT’ references in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 35 most unusual things people have travelled for around the worldPriyanka Chahar Choudhary’s Greek inspired lavish Mumbai home: A massive living room, a jacuzzi and more5 best ways to stand up for yourself at work without damaging professional relationships123Hot PicksSchool holiday todayDelhi metroCJP ProtestMumbai rainGujarat RainAIIMS notificationNEET paper controversyAAI recruitment 2026Caitline ClarkTop TrendingMP NEET Arpirant RapeNEET Paper LeakCJP Protester AssaultedKerala IPS Ajith Kumar SuspensionAssam Flood DeathsDelhi Metro Stations ClosedMumbai ProtestUP Amroha WeddingHarbhajan singhIND U19 vs Sri Lanka U19


IFF says govt order to GitHub on BitChat unconstitutional, demands its withdrawal
The app allows anonymous communication without mandatory user registration, phone number verification or centralised logging of messages

NEW DELHI: Digital rights advocacy group Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has termed govt’s order directing GitHub to remove the source code repositories of Bluetooth-based messaging app BitChat “unconstitutional and authoritarian”.In a statement Friday, IFF said the order, issued by Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the home ministry, directed GitHub to disable access to three BitChat repositories, including the Android application and release files, within three hours. It added that the order warned the platform of loss of safe harbour protection and possible criminal prosecution for non-compliance.It argued govt relied on Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act and Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, instead of the dedicated blocking framework under Section 69A of the IT Act and the Blocking Rules, 2009, that require procedural safeguards such as recorded reasons and an opportunity for hearing.

CJP Jantar Mantar Protest Updates

IFF also contended that the order did not identify any specific unlawful content in the repositories and instead objected to BitChat’s ability to function during internet shutdowns through Bluetooth mesh networking. It said anticipating potential misuse of a communications tool was not a sufficient legal basis for ordering its removal.The foundation criticised the three-hour compliance window, saying it effectively denied GitHub meaningful legal recourse, and demanded that govt withdraw the notice.



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