- Apple has removed the offline messaging app Bitchat from the Chinese App Store.
- This was done at the request of the Cybersecurity Administration of China due to the app’s non-compliance with local regulations.
Block Inc. CEO Jack Dorsey сообщил Apple notified him that it had removed the decentralized messaging app Bitchat from the Chinese App Store on February 28. This was at the request of the Cybersecurity Administration of China due to the app’s non-compliance with local security regulations.
The Administration found that Bitchat violated Article 3 of the “Regulations on the Security Assessment of Internet Services Possessing Public Opinion Attributes or Capable of Social Mobilization.” According to this provision, any service capable of influencing public opinion must undergo a mandatory state security assessment.
Bitchat, which operates over a Bluetooth wireless network without connection to the internet or national infrastructure, has been classified as a service capable of “social mobilization.”
The app is currently unavailable in China, but can be downloaded in all other countries via App Store Connect. Meanwhile, Apple announced that the Testflight beta version has reached its maximum user count of 10,000 in mainland China.
Apple’s app review team also added that all apps in their store must comply with local country requirements.
We understand this is confusing, but you are responsible for understanding and ensuring your app complies with all local laws, not just the guidelines below. And, of course, apps that promote solicitations, propaganda, or could encourage criminal or reckless behavior will be rejected.
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