President-elect Donald Trump’s administration poses a significant threat to civil liberties, particularly through the potential expansion of digital surveillance mechanisms. Trump’s intentions, including mass deportations, criminal prosecutions of opponents, and freedom restrictions for various groups, imply that certain demographics—such as undocumented immigrants, journalists, and left-leaning activists—should be especially cautious about their digital presence and privacy.
Experts advise these at-risk individuals and their supporters to enhance their data security in anticipation of a tightening surveillance environment. Runa Sandvik, founder of Granitt, emphasizes the importance of understanding the data being generated by your online activities and utilizing available tools to restrict access to that data.
Protection against surveillance can be approached from two angles: legal protections against data collection and technological measures for individuals. As Trump’s administration is likely to exert influence over technology companies, individuals will need to rely increasingly on their technological defenses.
Recommendations for Enhancing Privacy:
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Use Encrypted Communication:
- Opt for end-to-end encryption via apps like Signal, WhatsApp, or Apple’s messaging services. These tools protect conversations from interception, unlike many popular services that only encrypt data in transit.
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Secure Your Devices:
- Modern smartphones come with built-in encryption, but users should set strong passwords or passphrases for added security. On laptops, enable FileVault for Mac or BitLocker for Windows Pro. For Windows Home users, Veracrypt can be utilized for full disk encryption.
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Limit Cloud Storage Use:
- While cloud services offer convenience, they also add a layer of vulnerability. If sensitive information is absolutely necessary to store online, using tools for encryption before uploading to the cloud can safeguard it. Privacy advocates generally suggest minimizing cloud reliance altogether.
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Enhance Online Anonymity:
- Browsing anonymously can be achieved using the Tor Browser or a VPN that offers no-logs policies. This helps to mask your browsing habits and IP address from third parties, including your ISP.
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Manage Location Data:
- Regularly review and modify app permissions related to location access on smartphones and other devices. Consider using features like VPNs to obscure location information while browsing.
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Opt for Cash Transactions:
- Financial privacy is paramount; using cash for purchases limits the traceable financial information that can be collected by authorities.
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Consider Burner Phones:
- For situations requiring anonymity, prepaid burner phones can provide an extra layer of privacy. However, they must be used carefully to avoid linking back to personal identities.
While these guidelines present ways to bolster personal privacy, it’s important to recognize that digital information may remain accessible despite precautionary measures due to past exposure from data breaches.
In light of a forthcoming administration that could intensify efforts to surveil and target specific groups, taking proactive steps to enhance personal privacy has never been more critical.