Reports following the CJP protest in Delhi have brought offline messaging technology into focus. According to reports, Delhi Police is examining whether protesters remained in contact through Bluetooth- and mesh network-based applications despite the absence of internet and mobile network connectivity. However, there has been no official confirmation of this claim, and the investigation is ongoing.
Offline messaging applications operate differently from conventional messaging platforms. While services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal depend on internet or Wi-Fi connectivity, these applications use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and mesh networking technology. Nearby smartphones connect directly to form a local network. When multiple devices are within range of one another, messages can be relayed from one device to another, allowing communication without relying on mobile towers, mobile data, or Wi-Fi.
The technology has operational limitations. Its effective range depends on Bluetooth connectivity and the availability of nearby devices. As a result, it is not a complete substitute for internet-based communication but serves as a means of maintaining communication over limited distances.
Several applications offer offline messaging capabilities, with Bitchat being among those receiving attention. According to reports, the application allows users to send and receive messages over Bluetooth without requiring a phone number, user account, or central server. In addition, several Android applications support BLE-based local communication.
According to technology experts, such technology is not limited to use during protests. It may also be useful during natural disasters, in remote areas, at large public events, or in situations involving network outages. At present, it remains unclear whether protesters in the CJP demonstration actually used any such applications. The matter is expected to become clearer after the police investigation is completed.
