Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Delhi Police Investigates Offline Messaging Apps in Protests
Delhi Police are looking into whether protesters are using special apps that don't need the internet to send messages.
These apps use Bluetooth to create a local network between nearby phones, allowing messages to be sent even when there's no internet.
The police are investigating because they suspect these apps are being used to organize protests.
The apps, like Bitchat, are also used in other places where internet is restricted, like during protests in Hong Kong and natural disasters.
Delhi Police suspect protesters are using Bluetooth-based apps to communicate without internet.
Apps like Bitchat use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to create mesh networks for messaging.
The police are investigating by approaching service providers and analyzing CCTV footage.
These apps have been used in other protests and natural disasters worldwide.
The technology allows messages to hop from phone to phone without needing the internet.
- Who
- Delhi Police and protesters in central Delhi
- What
- Investigation into the use of offline messaging apps during protests
- When
- After mobile internet was cut in parts of central Delhi
- Where
- Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar, central Delhi
- Why
- To bypass internet restrictions and communicate during protests
Protesters
Delhi Police
Use of Offline Messaging Apps
Protesters
Protesters use Bluetooth-based apps to communicate without internet, bypassing restrictions.
Delhi Police
Delhi Police investigates the use of these apps to gather information and identify protesters.
- Technology Used
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and mesh networks
- Apps Mentioned
- Bitchat, other similar apps
- Investigation Methods
- Approaching service providers, analyzing IPDR, CCTV footage, facial recognition
- Previous Use Cases
- Protests in Hong Kong, Ukraine, Nepal; natural disasters