Which of the following best describes the functionality of a Bluetooth mesh messaging application like BitChat?

It creates ad hoc networks using devices in physical proximity, where each device acts as both client and server.

It mandates user registration and phone number verification to ensure network security.

It relies on centralised servers to relay encrypted messages between users.

It requires a stable internet connection to establish peer-to-peer links.

Daily

250 words

7/10
Rating

27 July 2026

Cybersecurity and digital regulations

The topic involves a specific legal debate regarding the application of the IT Act, 2000, and the proportionality standard from the Anuradha Bhasin judgment, which are directly relevant to GS3 internal security and GS2 governance/digital rights.

Notes

I4C (Ministry of Home Affairs) directed GitHub to remove BitChat repositories on July 23.
BitChat is a decentralised peer-to-peer messaging app using Bluetooth mesh networks, requiring no internet, servers, or phone numbers.
The government order cited Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, and Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Concerns raised by authorities include potential misuse for unlawful assemblies, anonymous coordination, and circumvention of lawful restrictions during public order crises.
Legal criticism highlights that Section 79(3)(b) does not confer blocking powers, which are typically governed by Section 69A of the IT Act.
The proportionality standard from Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020) requires restrictions to be tailored to the necessity, duration, and territorial extent of an emergency.
Agentic AI differs from standard AI by pursuing larger goals through multi-step workflows rather than single-prompt responses.
Key challenges of AI integration include data privacy, potential for factual inaccuracies, over-dependence on automation, and the need for critical thinking.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 2 in Government regulation and enforcement actions against messaging platforms, which has been running since 24 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

Discuss the legal framework governing the regulation of decentralised communication platforms in India. How does the principle of proportionality, as laid down by the Supreme Court, apply to government directives concerning digital tools? 150 words

Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

0 / 150 words 8:00
The transition from standard AI to Agentic AI represents a shift in how digital workflows are managed. Examine the potential benefits and ethical challenges of integrating such systems into the educational and professional landscape in India. 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

Which of the following best describes the functionality of a Bluetooth mesh messaging application like BitChat?

Under which provision of the Information Technology Act, 2000, is the Union government empowered to direct the blocking of public access to information on grounds of national security and public order?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-27/cybersecurity-and-digital-regulations