A surprising development has emerged during the recent protests at Jantar Mantar in the national capital. The Delhi Police is currently investigating the specific tactics adopted by protesters to send messages to one another despite the imposition of internet bans and the suspension of mobile networks, while authorities suspect that during the internet blackout, protesters utilized Bluetooth-based offline messaging applications to maintain coordination. This technology allows messages to be transmitted from one phone to another without the need for 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi connectivity. Notably, the Bitchat app, associated with Twitter (X) co-founder Jack Dorsey, also operates on this specific technology. Understanding how this system functions without internet or mobile towers is crucial to the ongoing investigation.
Understanding Bluetooth Messaging Applications
Traditional messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or Telegram require active mobile data or Wi-Fi to function. In contrast, Bluetooth messaging apps use the existing Bluetooth technology within smartphones, while these applications connect directly with other nearby smartphones. A significant feature of these apps is that users don't need to register a phone number, create a formal account, or connect to any centralized server to communicate. This peer-to-peer connection makes them highly effective in environments where traditional communication infrastructure has been disabled or is unavailable.
The Mechanics of Offline Mesh Technology
This offline communication technology relies on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Mesh Network systems. When a user sends a message through such an app, the data doesn't travel to a mobile tower or a central server. Instead, the message is transmitted directly to the nearest phone that has the same application installed. That receiving phone then re-transmits the message to a third phone, and so on. In this manner, the message hops from one device to another until it reaches its intended destination. This relay system ensures that communication can cover distances far beyond the range of a single Bluetooth connection.
Network Strength and User Density
The most defining characteristic of this technology is the nature of its network. The strength and reach of a mesh network are directly proportional to the number of users in a given area. As more people use the app within a specific location, the network becomes larger and more strong. While this technology is most effective over shorter distances, it performs exceptionally well in densely populated or crowded areas where many users are present simultaneously. This makes it a potent tool for coordination during large-scale public gatherings or protests.
Scope of the Delhi Police Investigation
According to reports, the Delhi Police is analyzing whether protesters in Central Delhi used these apps to synchronize their movements and actions. The police are planning to seek detailed information from app developers and service providers. Also, the authorities are utilizing a combination of technical tools to analyze the situation, including CCTV footage, IPDR records, and facial recognition technology. The investigation aims to determine the extent to which these offline tools were used to bypass government-imposed communication restrictions.
Global Usage and Disaster Management
This isn't the first instance where such apps have gained prominence during internet shutdowns. Previously, during major demonstrations in countries like Hong Kong, Ukraine, and Nepal, protesters turned to these apps to circumvent internet blackouts. Beyond protests, this technology has proven to be extremely useful during natural disasters. In situations where mobile towers are destroyed or rendered non-functional, Bluetooth-based mesh networks become vital for relief and rescue operations, allowing survivors and rescuers to communicate in the absence of a traditional network.