Hackers Urge $20 Radios and P2P Apps to Bypass 14 Internet Shutdowns
Updated
Updated · EFF · May 12
Hackers Urge $20 Radios and P2P Apps to Bypass 14 Internet Shutdowns
1 articles · Updated · EFF · May 12
$20 Meshtastic radios, Bluetooth-based apps and satellite links are highlighted as practical ways communities can stay connected when governments or disasters cut internet access.
The guide argues those tools must be deployed before a blackout because mesh systems work only if enough people already have devices, apps and local networks in place.
Briar, Bitchat and Delta Chat are cited as options for phone-to-phone or limited-email messaging, while ham radio can reach much farther but usually requires a license.
Satellite internet can be harder for governments to disable and can be shared locally, though the guide warns privately controlled systems such as Starlink can still be switched off.
The article frames the need as urgent, citing 14 active shutdowns worldwide and Iran's Jan. 8, 2026 blackout, which it says was followed by up to 656 executions.
If satellite internet is our backup, who should govern it to prevent control by tech oligarchs or hostile nations?
When states weaponize internet access, can decentralized apps truly protect citizens or do they create new dangers?
In modern warfare, how can we distinguish between a targeted cyberattack and a physical strike on critical infrastructure?
Record Internet Shutdowns in 2025-2026: Economic Impact, Human Cost, and the Global Struggle for Digital Freedom
Overview
In 2025, government-imposed internet shutdowns reached record levels, with outages recorded in 28 countries and lasting over 120,000 hours—the highest ever in a single year. The duration of these shutdowns surged by more than 70% compared to 2024, causing widespread harm by disrupting livelihoods and blocking access to essential services. The global economy suffered an estimated $19.7 billion loss, a dramatic 156% increase from the previous year. This escalating crisis highlights the growing threat to digital rights and economic stability worldwide, as deliberate internet disruptions become more frequent and severe.