In the wake of rising protests against the current government administration, notably during the second Trump administration, activists are increasingly aware of the digital surveillance tools in law enforcement’s arsenal. Protesting is a constitutionally protected right, but individuals need to prioritize their digital security alongside their physical safety.
/** Digital Surveillance Threats **/The primary concerns for protesters include what data law enforcement can extract from their phones if detained and how their actions can be tracked through various surveillance technologies such as license plate scanners and facial recognition systems. Given the history of peaceful demonstrations being met with aggressive police responses, individuals should consider that any digital evidence linking them to a protest could be utilized against them.
Evan Greer from the activist group Fight for the Future highlights the broad range of surveillance methods available today, making it imperative for demonstrators to adopt measures that secure their communications and protect their identities.
Your Phone
Before attending a protest, one crucial decision is whether to take a smartphone. Smartphones inherently share personal data, potentially revealing protestors’ locations and connections. For those concerned about this, leaving their primary device at home is recommended. If a phone is necessary for coordination, it should remain off unless urgent. Moreover, using a Faraday bag—an enclosure that blocks radio signals—can add an additional layer of security.
For those who opt to use a phone, employing a secondary device with limited personal information or even a pre-paid burner phone is advisable. However, users should be cautious as certain pre-paid options may still link back to their identity. It’s essential to ensure that devices used for protest-related communication have robust encryption and that conversations use an encrypted messaging service like Signal.
Your Face
Facial recognition capabilities pose a significant risk at protests. Wearing face coverings or masks can obscure identity, but a simple mask might not suffice against advanced recognition technologies. Attendees are encouraged to consider more elaborate disguises or costumes that can distort their facial features. Outfits should be chosen carefully to avoid distinctive colors or logos that could make them easily identifiable.
Your Online Footprint
Activists must also be wary of their online presence surrounding protests. Sharing intentions to attend a protest can be monitored, and any media uploaded—like photos or videos—might inadvertently expose others. It’s imperative to secure consent from individuals in shared media and to avoid posting identifiable information that could attract law enforcement’s attention.
Exciting to document protest activities is important, but those actions also come with risks, especially for individuals from marginalized backgrounds. The Biden administration has made clear its interest in monitoring social media activities related to protests and potentially using this data against individuals.
Conclusion
As protests continue, the risk associated with digital surveillance grows. Individuals must evaluate both their need for privacy and their desire to chronicle happenings carefully. Understanding these dynamics will empower activists to engage in civil disobedience without compromising their safety or privacy. The creation of surveillance mechanisms by authorities aims to intimidate and discourage dissent. However, maintaining vigilance and adopting smart security practices can mitigate these risks significantly.
