What new app are Indian students using to bypass internet bans?

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Bitchat Emerges as a Communication Tool for Indian Students Amidst Internet Restrictions

Indian students protesting internet bans have turned to Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging application that utilizes Bluetooth technology to establish communication networks without requiring internet access. This alternative method of communication emerged as the Indian government implemented orders to suspend mobile internet services in proximity to protest locations, citing concerns for public order and the prevention of incitement. The app, developed by American tech entrepreneur Jack Dorsey, allows users to connect within a localized, ad-hoc network, bypassing the need for traditional internet infrastructure.
Functionality of Bitchat

Bitchat operates on a decentralized, peer-to-peer model, leveraging Bluetooth connectivity to create mesh networks among nearby devices. This system enables users to exchange messages even when mobile internet services are unavailable or disrupted. The open-source nature of the application, as highlighted by users like 21-year-old Kumar Shalabh, has facilitated its adoption by students seeking to maintain communication channels during demonstrations.
Government's Rationale for Internet Suspensions

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has cited "in the interest of public order and for preventing incitement to the commission of any offence" as the justification for suspending mobile internet services. These orders have been issued for specific durations and within defined geographical perimeters around protest sites. Such measures reflect a broader pattern of internet shutdowns in India, which ranked second globally in 2025 with 65 such incidents, according to Access Now.
Developer's Stance and Digital Rights Advocacy

Jack Dorsey, the founder of Bitchat, has publicly stated that the Indian government disapproves of technologies like Bitchat and seeks their removal. This sentiment aligns with concerns raised by digital rights advocates, including the Internet Freedom Foundation, who have called for the revocation of internet shutdown orders. These groups emphasize that such measures can silence dissent and limit the ability of citizens to communicate and organize.
Broader Context of Protests and Communication Challenges

The protests, initially focused on irregularities in educational examinations, have evolved to encompass wider concerns regarding unemployment and governance. As tensions have escalated, including instances of police intervention, protesters have experienced disruptions to their mobile internet communications. While Bitchat provides an alternative, some students, like 19-year-old Gunveer Singh, have noted that communication with family members back home remains challenging, even as the core message reaches fellow protesters.

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What new app are Indian students using to bypass internet bans?

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