India is the internet shutdown capital of the world. Internet services were suspended for the longest period of time in most parts of Jammu and Kashmir and now, the same is happening in Haryana and Delhi borders due to the farmers’ agitation. But thanks to technology, there are various apps that help communicate in case of this shutdown.
1. FireChat
This is a free peer-to-peer messaging app that works with or without Internet access or cellular data to send text and images. It was created by Open Garden to communicate and spread information. It uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct to transmit data and is available on Android and iOS. Secure communication across the mesh network, with a range of 60 m for Android users and 100 m for iOS. Firechat transfers message from person to person in an encrypted format; first to the mobile next to you, then to the person next to them and so on.
2. Bridgefy
Just like FireChat, Bridgefy uses Bluetooth connectivity to connect with different phones to relay messages. Smartphones can connect over a range of 330 feet (100 meters). The mesh network, like that in FireChat, connects one smartphone to another and likewise, creates a long line of communication.
3. Briar
The app was “designed for activists, journalists, and anyone else who needs a safe, easy and robust way to communicate” according to their website. It is available only on Android. Briar uses direct, encrypted connections between users to prevent surveillance and censorship.
It was developed by Bengaluru-based Khokho Developer and is available only on Android.5. Vojer
Vojer lets you make voice calls in high quality, even if there is no connection available on your device. The app actually turns your device into a walkie-talkie or a two-way radio. The app supports both text and photo messaging which is great. The connection is secure and anonymous so no one can just read your messages. The app uses both Bluetooth and WiFi radios to create stronger connections. Its main con is that it is available only on iOS and costs ₹599.
