Bridgefy

Bridgefy is a messaging app for iOS and Android that enables users to communicate with their mobile devices over Bluetooth, creating a mesh network that does not require the Internet. It was created in 2016 by Mexican developers Jorge Ríos, Diego García, and Roberto Betancourt.

Because of Bluetooth's short range, devices using the app must be physically close to each other to send or receive messages.

2019 rise in popularity

In 2019, Bridgefy experienced a 3000% increase in usage because of the Hong Kong protests, where protesters used the app to bypass government censorship of the Internet.

The app is criticized for requiring initial device verification by SMS (Short Message Service), potentially identifying users to government authorities. Despite this limitation, Bridgefy is widely adopted as a way to freely communicate and organize community action.

App, Bluetooth, LPWAN, Mesh networking, Messaging app, MySensors, Peer-to-peer, Phone terms, Software terms