Bluetooth Mesh in a Blackout: Use Cases and Security Implications for India
Bluetooth Mesh in a Blackout: Use Cases and Security Implications for India Introduction Internet shutdowns are policies that aim to disconnect the digital communication. Bluetooth mesh apps undermine shutdowns by allowing the phones to communicate with each other without using mobile data, wi fi, sim cards, servers etc The technology can create backdoors for communication during disasters, blackouts and other disruptions. It can also create plausible deniability for the organisations sending the messages, targets or other evidence. The dilemma this presents to India is how to balance between their security needs and other freedoms that shutdowns interfere. Table of Contents 1. How bluetooth mesh apps work 2. Why people use them 3. India’s security dilemma 4. The privacy issue 5. A realistic policy response How Mesh Apps Work Mesh apps enable phones to communicate directly or indirectly with each other over short ranges. This means that a Bluetooth message can travel from one phon...