Hong Kong protesters using Bay Area technology to communicate

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Hong Kong and they have their smartphones with them. But when Internet service is blocked or limited, they're using Bay Area technology to continue communicating with each other.

Democracy advocates are forcing the closure of schools, banks and other businesses. They're angry at China for limiting choices in future Hong Kong elections.

There are demonstrations organized largely through social media. In Facebook and Twitter posts, organizers are asking people to download a new app called FireChat.

"We did 100,000 accounts in Hong Kong only," Open Garden CEO Micha Benoliel said.

Open Garden created FireChat, an app that enables smartphones to create what Benoliel calls a mini-Internet.

Users can text each other even if they don't have access to Wi-Fi or telephone service.

The company is headquartered in San Francisco.

"Very practical information, what's happening, where the roads are blocked, where the police is," Benoliel said after watching users communicate on the app.

The mobile network of thousands of smartphone users means they can organize even if the government pulls the plug or blocks Internet access.

On the front line of protests, people have been seen holding umbrellas. It's why the group of organizers have been dubbed "The Umbrella Revolution."

"They basically use it to protect themselves from the tear gas, from the pepper spray and the water cannons," San Francisco organizer Charles Cheung said.

Cheung helped organize two solidarity events here in San Francisco, including one on Sunday at Portsmouth Square near Chinatown.

He said about 200 people turned out.

The biggest concern is that the Chinese government decides not to back down and sends military troops to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is such a major financial center, Cheung said. If things do get worse, people could get hurt and international markets could be affected.