Dhruv Rathee warns Indian protesters against downloading two messaging apps:What are ‘Bridgefy’ and ‘Briar’ networks circulating amid massive CJP protests

When internet services are restricted, staying connected with others can become difficult. In such situations, some people turn to messaging apps that can work without a regular internet connection. But amid protests and internet restrictions in Delhi, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has sarcastically advised people not to install two such apps, Bridgefy and Briar. The discussion has drawn attention to how these apps work, why people use them when internet access is unavailable, and whether Bluetooth-based messaging automatically guarantees privacy and security. Do these apps guarantee privacy during protests or internet shutdowns? Not necessarily. The ability to send messages without mobile data does not automatically make an app completely anonymous or safe in every situation. There are several factors users should consider: Encryption: Whether messages are protected from being read by others depends on the app’s encryption design and implementation. Device security: Someone who gains access to an unlocked phone may be able to view messages or other information stored on it. Metadata and visibility: Even when message content is encrypted, some information about devices, connections, or communication patterns may still be exposed, depending on the technology. Network limitations: Bluetooth communication has a limited range, and message delivery can be unreliable when few participating devices are nearby. App versions and settings: Security depends on the software version, how the app is configured, and whether its implementation has known vulnerabilities. It is therefore important to distinguish between working without the internet and guaranteeing complete privacy. These are two different things. Which apps has Dhruv Rathee advised people not to install? Dhruv Rathee shared a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, warning against downloading certain apps that let people communicate without conventional internet access. His post read, ‘Important Info! Please don’t download these apps!
The post quoted a warning originally shared by user Joydas, who advised protesters against using Bridgefy and Briar, two messaging apps that can facilitate communication without a conventional internet connection. Why are Bluetooth messaging apps being discussed? Internet shutdowns can interrupt access to social media, messaging platforms, and other online services. When mobile data and Wi-Fi are unavailable, people may look for alternatives that allow nearby devices to exchange messages directly. This is where Bluetooth-based communication and mesh networking can become useful. Instead of relying entirely on a central server connected to the internet, some apps can pass messages between nearby phones. Such technology can be useful in places with poor connectivity, during travel, or in emergencies. However, the level of connectivity depends on the app, the devices nearby, and the way its network is designed. Also read: Xiaomi 18 Pro Series to feature a rear screen: New race for premium phones; three 200-megapixel cameras and a screen on the back of the phone

What is Bridgefy, and how does it work? Bridgefy is a messaging app designed to help people communicate with nearby users when an internet connection is unavailable. It uses Bluetooth to establish connections between compatible devices. Here is how the technology works: For example, imagine that Person ‘A’ wants to send a message to Person ‘C’, but the two phones are too far apart to connect directly. If Person ‘B’ is between them and the app supports message relaying, the message may travel from ‘A’ to ‘B’ and then from ‘B’ to ‘C’. This is the basic idea behind a mesh network: participating devices can help extend communication beyond the range of a single direct connection. What is Briar, and how is it different from Bridgefy? Briar is a messaging app designed with privacy and resilience in mind, particularly for situations in which internet access may be unreliable or unavailable. It is available for Android. Unlike conventional messaging services that generally depend on central servers, Briar is designed around peer-to-peer communication. It can synchronise messages directly between nearby devices using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi when an internet connection is unavailable. When internet access is available, it can also use the Tor network to synchronise messages. Some of Briar’s key features include: However, Briar and Bridgefy should not be treated as identical apps. Their network designs, communication methods, and security approaches differ. Briar’s ability to synchronise messages offline also depends on the availability of a suitable connection between devices.
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What about Bitchat? Bitchat is another messaging app associated with Bluetooth-based, peer-to-peer communication. It is designed to allow nearby devices to exchange messages without depending on conventional internet connectivity. However, claims about its availability in India should be checked against current listings and official announcements. The removal of an app from an app store does not necessarily mean that its technology has stopped working everywhere, nor does it establish that every version or distribution channel is unavailable.