Internet Shutdown at Jantar Mantar Protests
Internet access has been cut off for two days in New Delhi's Jantar Mantar area amidst ongoing protests. Food delivery services and metro stations have also ceased operations in the vicinity.
Internet connectivity has been restricted for a second consecutive day in the Jantar Mantar protest zone of New Delhi. These limitations, which began on the evening of July 21, coincide with the third day of demonstrations following the conclusion of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's 26-day hunger strike. Neither the government nor telecom operators have publicly disclosed the orders mandating the internet blackout, and the duration of these restrictions remains unclear.
The internet disruption has also impacted food delivery services. Several platforms, including Zomato, Blinkit, Swiggy, and Zepto, have stopped deliveries to the protest site. Furthermore, Delhi Metro has shut down 16 of its stations, despite no apparent restrictions on road mobility in the area.
In the absence of internet access, protesters have begun utilizing mesh messaging applications that operate without an internet connection. Apps such as Briar, Bitchat, and Messy leverage Bluetooth or local Wi-Fi hotspots for communication. This form of communication is difficult or impossible to intercept, particularly when employing end-to-end encryption.
The Delhi Police have stated they are investigating the Bluetooth messaging applications being used at the protest site. Medianama has sought responses from relevant entities for further details regarding the situation and the rationale behind these measures.