Hong Kong protesters have been avoiding using the heavily-monitored internet by communicating through the Bluetooth-based Bridgefy app, with downloads rising by almost 4,000% in two months. The app links users’ devices within a 100m range and allows the users to piggyback calls onto other phones until their call reaches the person they want. It was designed for locations with weak traditional connections. But as more people use it, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep track of who has used it.
Hong Kong protesters have been avoiding using the heavily-monitored internet by communicating through the Bluetooth-based Bridgefy app, with downloads rising by almost 4,000% in two months. The app links users’ devices within a 100m range and allows the users to piggyback calls onto other phones until their call reaches the person they want. It was designed for locations with weak traditional connections. However, Surrey University computer security specialist Alan Woodward said Bluetooth is not the most secure protocol, and that while Chinese authorities might not be able to monitor it so easily, they could still do so.