Kathmandu. February 4. After the Myanmar military seized powers and temporarily jammed the national internet traffic, offline messaging application “Bridgefy” on Tuesday announced that it has gained immense popularity in Myanmar.

The Mexico based startup company tweeted “We’re grateful to share that the Bridgefy App was downloaded more than 6,00,000 times in #Myanmar today, in just a few hours.” 

We're grateful to share that the Bridgefy App was downloaded more than 600,000 times in #Myanmar today, in just a few hours. Hopefully, people will find it helpful during tough times. Please stay safe!

— Bridgefy (@bridgefy) February 1, 2021

On Monday, Myanmar military claimed that the national multiparty general elections held on November 8 were against the law. In charge of election fraud, the military top ruling leaders including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and several regional and state ministers. 

The military also disrupted Phone and internet connections in major parts of the country. Though the disruption lasted only a few hours, the activities encouraged people to download offline apps like Bridgefy as a solution to possible further shutdowns.

Last year the app had gained popularity during Hongkong’s pro-democracy protests. Bridgefy also wrote, “Hopefully, people will find it helpful during tough times.” On the same day, Bridgefy also tweeted that the application has already exceeded 3.5 million downloads. 

pic.twitter.com/oXNzHvBZ5t

— Bridgefy (@bridgefy) February 2, 2021

Offline messaging apps are globally used by people in countries with restrictions on social media platforms. Since these apps use a Bluetooth antenna, they allow users to communicate without Internet connections. A similar app, “Firechat” has also been used during protests in Iraq and Iran.