Internet Freedom Foundation Calls India's BitChat Takedown Order Unconstitutional

The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) stated on May 15, 2024, that India's order to remove Jack Dorsey's BitChat repositories from GitHub is unconstitutional. The digital rights group contends that the government's directive exceeds its legal authority under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and infringes upon fundamental rights to free speech and expression. The IFF argues that the order, issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), lacks proper legal basis and due process.

The IFF's statement highlights concerns that such actions set a dangerous precedent for online censorship in India. The organization asserts that the government's attempt to block access to open-source code repositories, particularly those associated with a platform intended for decentralized communication, represents a significant overreach. The BitChat project, founded by Jack Dorsey, aims to build an open-source protocol for decentralized social media.

According to the IFF, the takedown order was issued without sufficient transparency or opportunity for appeal. The foundation is advocating for greater clarity and accountability in government actions related to internet content regulation. The organization believes that broad censorship orders without specific, legally justifiable grounds undermine the principles of a free and open internet. The IFF has previously been vocal about digital rights issues in India, advocating for user privacy and against state surveillance.