Safe Protest Tips in the Surveillance Era
▼ Summary
– Some phones allow disabling biometric locks (e.g., iPhone by holding wake and volume buttons) and enable limited functions like photos/videos without unlocking.
– Wearing face masks, sunglasses, or full-face disguises (e.g., Halloween masks) can reduce facial recognition accuracy at protests, though advanced tech may still identify you.
– Avoid wearing distinctive clothing or visible tattoos to minimize recognition by law enforcement, but determined surveillance may still track attendance.
– License plate readers and sensors can track vehicles and detect bumper stickers/signs, posing risks for protesters driving to events.
– Online activity (e.g., social media posts, photos, or past comments) can be monitored and used by authorities to identify or target protesters, especially those with vulnerable immigration statuses.
Navigating protests safely in today’s surveillance-heavy environment requires careful planning and awareness of digital and physical risks. Those who rely on biometric unlocking for convenience should know most smartphones include emergency functions to disable these features. For example, pressing the power and volume buttons simultaneously on an iPhone forces passcode entry instead of FaceID or TouchID. Many devices also allow camera access without unlocking, a simple way to maintain security while documenting events.
Facial recognition technology poses one of the biggest threats to anonymity at demonstrations. While basic masks and sunglasses may help, advanced systems can sometimes bypass these. Some activists opt for full-face coverings, including novelty or costume masks, which not only disrupt tracking but can also lighten the mood. Distinctive clothing, visible tattoos, or branded apparel make individuals easier to identify, so neutral, unremarkable outfits are advisable. However, experts warn that determined surveillance efforts may still uncover attendance records, making participation risky for vulnerable groups like undocumented immigrants.
Vehicles present another tracking vulnerability. Automated license plate readers capture movement patterns, and some systems even scan bumper stickers or protest-related slogans on clothing. Those driving to events should weigh these exposure risks carefully.
Beyond physical precautions, digital footprints require equal attention. Social media posts, whether announcing attendance, sharing protest media, or even old comments, can become evidence. Authorities use tools like Dataminr to link online activity to real identities in real time. Even joking remarks about violence or illegal acts may resurface during investigations. For non-citizens, this risk is amplified, as immigration officials actively monitor social media for concerning content.
The stakes for protesters have risen significantly in recent years. What was once a low-risk act of civic engagement now carries higher potential consequences, from targeted surveillance to physical confrontation or arrest. Assessing personal risk tolerance before participating is essential, especially for those in precarious legal situations. Preparation, both online and offline, can make the difference between safe activism and unintended repercussions.
(Source: Wired)
