If you are ever in need to get in contact with friends and family in your area without the use of cell towers, one way you could do it is through Bluetooth. While this tech might seem odd to need when you can message someone over the internet or cell signal, there are situations where having this set up could help keep you and those you care about safe.

For example, lets say a natural disaster hits your area and knocks out the cell service and power grid. You need to both get in touch with your loved ones, and send a message to rescuers that you need help. So, you send your messages over Bluetooth and wait.

Since the messages do not go to a server, another use case is for organizing protests where protesting is considered illegal. For example, in Hong Kong several years back, protesters used Bluetooth messaging to make it harder for Chinese authorities to trace who was there.

Other uses are: you are camping somewhere with no signal, you are on an airplane and want to messages someone you know who is not sitting with you, or you can't afford a phone plan but still wish to send messages.

Benefits:

• No Cell or Wifi Needed.
• Security. Bluetooth messages are encrypted.
• No server communication.
• Messaging is free.

Downfalls:

• People you are trying to communicate with must be using the same app as you.
• There are distance limits (though most some apps will device-hop to increase limits).

Apps:

• Bridgefy
• Briar
• BitChat ⚠️ Has security concerns

Suggested Videos:

• No Signal? How to Message Your Friends Anyway

#digitalfreedom #digitalprivacy