Sending messages offline, i.e. without a mobile phone or internet connection, is quite easy with the help of some apps. Many use so-called mesh messaging to circumvent official surveillance. But the technology also has some other advantages.
Mesh messaging – this is the name given to sending messages without an internet connection. This way you can send messages and remain anonymous without having to be online or have a mobile network.
Relay race of the message
Mesh messaging uses connections between devices instead of the Internet or mobile network. As the online magazine BASIC thinking explains, this can work either via Bluetooth or ad-hoc WLAN. The magazine compares the technique to passing a baton in a relay race: the message is passed from device to device until it reaches the recipient. This means that the actually short range of Bluetooth or ad-hoc WLAN is ignored. There are no central servers for this, which, according to BASIC thinking, also makes it more difficult for hackers. In addition, recipients do not necessarily have to be in the sender’s contact list, only the app must be installed to send, forward or receive a message. This creates a peer-to-peer network (P2P network) in which the devices are connected to each other.
Mostly Android compatible
Most apps like Briar, Bluetooth Chat or Signal Offline Messenger only work on Android devices, only Bridgefy is also included iOSdevices compatible. In addition to messages, most of the apps can also be used to send photos, videos or files.
Ultimately, you can’t do it without the internet, as you need it to install and set up the apps. According to BASIC thinking, most mesh messaging apps require access to the camera, location and contact list to set up. In addition, some use QR codes for registration and to enable two or more devices to communicate with each other.
Useful on many occasions
Mesh messaging is particularly popular in countries with authoritarian or repressive regimes. For example, during the Hong Kong protests in 2019, people increasingly used mesh messaging services to organize demonstrations or simply communicate without the risk of government surveillance. As Forbes magazine reported, the number of Bridgey downloads skyrocketed by almost 4,000 percent within two months.
But Mesh Messaging BASIC thinking can also be very useful in the event of natural disasters, at festivals, in dead spots such as when hiking, or in the event of insufficient cell phone credit.
Editorial team finanzen.net