Are CJP protesters using apps that work without the internet?:What is ‘Bluetooth Mesh Messaging’ system, and how far can messages travel

Imagine sending a message even when there’s no mobile data, Wi-Fi, or phone network. It may sound impossible, but Bluetooth mesh messaging apps make it possible by creating a network between nearby smartphones, allowing messages to travel from one device to another without using the internet. The technology has gained attention after The Times of India (TOI) reported that Delhi Police is investigating whether protesters from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) used such apps during demonstrations in central Delhi, where mobile internet services were reportedly restricted. While police have not confirmed the use of any specific app, the investigation has sparked interest in how these offline messaging apps work. Why are these apps making headlines? Delhi Police suspects that some protesters remained connected despite internet restrictions by using messaging apps that work without mobile data or Wi-Fi. The report says authorities are examining whether these apps helped protesters communicate during the ‘Sansad Chalo’ demonstrations in areas such as Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar after 4G and 5G services were reportedly disrupted. Police are also analysing CCTV footage, internet protocol device records (IPDRs), and facial recognition data as part of the investigation. How do these apps work without internet? Unlike WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram, these apps do not rely on mobile networks or Wi-Fi. Instead, they use a technology called Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is already built into almost every smartphone. Here’s how the process works: Step 1: A message is created A user writes a message inside the app. Step 2: Bluetooth sends it to nearby phones Instead of sending the message through a mobile tower or internet server, the phone transmits it via Bluetooth to nearby devices running the same app. Step 3: Every phone becomes a relay Each nearby phone automatically forwards that message to other nearby phones. The message keeps ‘hopping’ from one device to another until it reaches its destination. This creates what’s known as a ‘Bluetooth mesh network,’ where every smartphone acts like a small communication bridge. Why doesn’t it need mobile data? Traditional messaging apps send your messages through central servers connected to the internet. Bluetooth mesh apps skip that entire process. Since messages move directly between nearby devices, they can continue working even if:
By continuously hopping between nearby devices, messages can travel much farther than a single Bluetooth connection allows Also read: NTA warns against AI-generated NEET OMR sheets as protests continue:Agency says fake documents won’t fool its system; official records match results

Which apps can do this? Several Android apps offer Bluetooth-based messaging. One of the best-known examples is Bitchat, launched by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey in July 2025. Another popular app is Briar, which can synchronise messages over Bluetooth or local Wi-Fi when internet access is unavailable. According to the Briar Project, the app is designed to make communication more reliable during internet outages rather than relying on conventional infrastructure. Why are protesters interested in these apps? Offline messaging apps have become popular during situations where internet access is restricted. According to reports, similar technologies have previously been used during protests in Hong Kong, Myanmar, Iran, Nepal, and Ukraine. A Reuters report from 2021 said downloads of the mesh messaging app Bridgefy surged in Myanmar after the military coup, as people searched for communication tools that could work without internet access. These apps are also useful during Earthquakes, Floods, Hurricanes, and other disasters where communication networks fail. Security concerns Researchers found security weaknesses in apps like Bridgefy and Bitchat that could allow attackers to track users, impersonate contacts, or exploit authentication flaws. Researchers at Royal Holloway, University of London, previously analysed the mesh messaging app Bridgefy. Their study found several security weaknesses that could allow attackers to: The researchers concluded that the app did not provide the level of security many users believed it offered. Following these findings, both apps released updates to strengthen their security and fix reported vulnerabilities. What are the limitations of Bluetooth Mesh apps? A 2022 academic research paper also noted that existing mesh messaging systems can still expose metadata that may help identify users. Also read: Samsung wraps up Galaxy Unpacked 2026 with its biggest launch:Tech giant unveils Galaxy Z Fold 8 Series, AI smart glasses, Galaxy Watch 9, and more; check India prices

Potential and limitations of offline communication tech Bluetooth mesh messaging is not a new technology, but recent events have brought it back into the spotlight. These apps demonstrate that communication is possible even without mobile networks or internet access by allowing nearby smartphones to create their own temporary network. As authorities continue investigating their possible use during the Delhi protests, the discussion has once again highlighted both the potential and the limitations of offline communication technology.