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@ Λ.M
2024-06-13 05:05:49The story of the app I want to show you today began around the year 2014 in Mexico City, where a team of young entrepreneurs was seeking a solution for communication in situations where there's no cellular signal or internet connection. Their idea was to create an application that would allow people to communicate effectively at any time and place, even in the most critical moments. Do you know which app I'm talking about? Its name is Bridgefy, a decentralized communication app based on mesh network.
Mesh Network
A mesh network is a type of communication network where connected devices communicate directly with each other, without relying on a centralized infrastructure. Each device acts as a node in the network, providing advantages such as resilience to failures, scalability, and autonomy.
These networks are useful in areas with limited communication infrastructure and during emergencies. They also offer a level of privacy by avoiding routing through centralized servers. Bridgefy takes another step to protect your privacy and anonymity by using encrypted messages based on the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), a widely recognized, robust, and secure encryption method.
Trial by fire
The opportunity to test Bridgefy came in 2017, when Mexico was hit by a series of devastating earthquakes. These natural disasters left entire cities without internet access and with overloaded or damaged mobile networks—a perfect scenario to test Bridgefy.
The result? The app quickly became a lifeline for Mexicans during those terrible days. It allowed people to communicate with their loved ones, share valuable information in critical moments, and coordinate rescue efforts. The app passed its test with flying colors, overcoming the lack of traditional connectivity and demonstrating that mesh network technology could make a difference in such situations.
But does it end there? No, that was just the first test. Bridgefy has another anecdote on the other side of the world, in a completely different context, which I'll tell you about now.
Beyond Mexico
In 2019, thousands of citizens in Hong Kong rose in protest against an extradition bill that threatened their freedoms and fundamental principles. As tensions escalated, authorities blocked internet access, leaving protesters in a precarious communication situation. And what solution did the protesters find?
Yes, once again, Bridgefy appeared. The app helped protect the identity (and even physical integrity) of the protesters. Moreover, using mesh network technology as explained earlier, it enabled communication between nearby devices without relying on the internet or cellular coverage. This proved essential in maintaining secure, decentralized, and private communication among the protesters, resisting all censorship and surveillance efforts by the government.
The protesters were able to coordinate actions, share information, and stay connected even when authorities completely blocked internet access. Another successful trial under fire.
A tool for critical situations
Bridgefy is an example of how technological innovation can change how we communicate and confront challenges in critical moments. From its inception in Mexico, its vital importance during earthquakes in the country, to its contribution during protests in Hong Kong, Bridgefy has shown that technology can be a powerful ally in community resilience and defense of freedom of expression. These two completely different examples demonstrate its versatility.
This tool is a reminder that innovation can make a difference in people's lives when it's needed most.
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