Internet blackout at Jantar Mantar? Briar messenger could help protesters stay connected offline

With mobile internet services suspended around Delhi’s Jantar Mantar ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest on Saturday, offline messaging tools such as Briar could offer an alternative way for people to communicate without relying on conventional internet connectivity.

The authorities ordered a 24-hour suspension of mobile internet services within a four-kilometer radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing, from 10 pm on Friday, October 9, to 10 pm on Saturday, October 10.

The measure was introduced ahead of the planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the functioning of the Election Commission of India. Source

What is Briar messenger?

Briar is an encrypted messaging app designed for secure communication, especially when internet access is disrupted or unreliable. Unlike conventional messaging platforms that depend on central servers, Briar synchronises messages directly between users’ devices.

When the internet is unavailable, the application can use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to exchange messages between connected contacts. When internet access is available, it can communicate through the Tor network.

The application could therefore help protesters and others who need to coordinate with known contacts during an internet blackout.

However, users must install the application and establish contacts beforehand for offline communication to work effectively.

How does Briar work without the internet?

• Bluetooth connectivity: Users can connect directly with their contacts when their devices are within Bluetooth range.
• Wi-Fi communication: Briar can also synchronise messages over Wi-Fi without requiring an active internet connection.
• Encrypted messaging: Communications are encrypted, and the app doesn't rely on a central messaging server.
• Limited message relaying: Some forum messages can be stored and passed between contacts when their devices come within range. Private messages, however, synchronise directly between the sender and recipient.

Briar is not a substitute for internet access across an entire protest site. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi have limited ranges, and successful communication depends on device proximity, connectivity settings and prior contact setup.

What should users keep in mind?

People considering offline messaging should install and configure the application before entering an area affected by an internet shutdown.

They should also keep their phones charged, as connectivity and background synchronisation can consume battery power depending on usage.

Pro tip: Don't assume enabling Bluetooth will let messages reach anyone in the crowd.

Briar works with established contacts, and offline communication depends on devices being within range or coming into contact through its supported message-synchronisation mechanisms.

Briar’s official documentation provides more details on its offline messaging features: https://briarproject.org/how-it-works/