IFF Condemns Government's GitHub BitChat Order, Citing Unconstitutionality and Authoritarianism

The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) criticized India's government for ordering GitHub to disable BitChat's code repositories, deeming it unconstitutional and authoritarian. The order, issued under the IT Act, directed GitHub to remove BitChat's Android app and files within three hours, threatening loss of safe harbor protections. IFF argued that the government's action targets BitChat's ability to function during internet shutdowns, citing legal precedents that content blocking must comply with constitutional safeguards. The organization demanded the government withdraw the takedown notice and restore internet connectivity around protest sites.