But where there is a will to strike, there is also a way out of technological disruption. Another cause for concern, besides the shutdown, is the Personal Data Protection Bill that was introduced in Parliament on December 11 that gives the government power to access private data in the interest of public order or national security.

Firechat offers a connection up to 200 feet. Groups are restricted to 50 people. Pic courtesy/ Play store

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Communication is key to dissent, and that’s why in 2014 when pro-democracy protestors took to the streets, an app called FireChat’s popularity rose. The application, which enables people to send messages without an active Internet connection, via Bluetooth, is also finding currency in India. And so have similar apps like Bridgefy, Signal Offline, Vojer and Briar. “These apps operate on a peer-to-peer model. They do not use your telecom service provider or ISP and instead function with the help of your radio signal, which is primarily Bluetooth or WiFi Direct. You should download them irrespective of a shutdown — it could be helpful in a hijack on an aircraft, for instance,” says Ritesh Bhatia.

Signal Offline lets you communicate via WiFi Direct in a range of up to 100 metres. Images and videos are shared without resizing or rescaling. Pic courtesy/ Play store

The city-based cybercrime investigator and cybersecurity consultant who has been using Bridgefy lately also elaborates on the disadvantages that go beyond a restrictive radius — FireChat, for instance, lets you connect with people within 210 feet. “Traps can easily be created in case of a protest, since authorities can be in the same proximity. Malware can also easily be embedded. Plus, as a cybercrime investigator, going about forensics is a challenge since these companies do not have offices,” he states.

Staying secure

Available on iOS devices only, Vojer doesn’t have a sign-up process. It is priced at Rs 599. pic courtesy/app store

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