- Location data from your phone can get snatched up by cops and used for nefarious things.
- Turn off location!
| iOS | Android |
|---|---|
| Settings > Privacy & Security > Off | Settings > Location > Off |
| (or swipe down from the top edge of the screen and tap "Location") | |
your phone at the protest
Disclaimer
This is not a comprehensive list, but hopefully a few little tips to consider between now and your next protest. There is no one-size-fits-all. Consider your specific circumstances.
This is a work in progress. Check back later for updates!
Hide your whereabouts.
Scrub those photos.
Photos you take have invisible data attached. You might want to remove it before posting on the internet. Called “metadata” or “exifdata”, this can include your location, the date and time, and even a unique device ID. Cops can use this to build a case against you or your friends in the future.
- Send the photo to yourself in Signal. (this automatically cleans it.)
- Tap the photo and share.
There are also other apps made for this purpose. Here are a few:
| iOS | Android | Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| MetaX (photos) | ExifEraser (photos) | ExifCleaner (mac, linux, windows) |
| Photo Metadata EXIF Remover (photos and video) | Scrambled EXIF (photos) | ImgOptim (mac) |
| mat2 (cli) |
Swap fingerprints for passcodes.
Allowing your phone to unlock with just your face or fingerprint can be risky. If you are arrested, you lose control of both your phone and your body, so a cop can easily unlock your phone without your consent.
Switch biometrics off! Use a passcode instead.
Set a long passcode.
Passcodes can be very easy for cops to crack if you are arrested. The longer the passcode, the stronger it is.
Set your passcode to 6 digits or more.
Keep your secrets.
Messages from a friend can be copied to your notifications, leaving a record where you might not expect it. They could show up on your lock screen for anyone to see, or be saved in your phone's records. Do your friends a favor by turning those details off in any app with private messages.
In Signal:
Settings > Notifications > Show > "No name or message/content"
Lick the envelope.
Sending a text message is kind of like sending a postcard: Anyone can pick it up and read it. Take the extra step to put your letter into an envelope and seal it. Use an app that keeps your message sealed until it reaches the person you're sending it to!
- Signal: Battle-tested and trusted by privacy advocates. Free, open source, and highly recommended!
- WhatsApp: Owned by Meta (Facebook), so it's less trustworthy but still safer than regular SMS.
- iMessage: Only works with iPhone and other Apple users. Owned by a corporation (Apple) but still safer than regular SMS.
Set a disappearing message timer.
- Ensures that even if your friends' phone is taken your conversation remains secret
- Preferably use a short time (e.g. 5 minutes, 1 hour), but any is better than nothing
- Messages sent before the timer change will not be affected by the change
Turn your phone off. Like really shut it off.
When you're not using your phone, shut it down till you get home! This makes it harder to hack and it makes it harder to track.
Cozy at home, not in your pocket.
Your phone always carries some amount of risk with it to the protest. If the risk outweighs the benefit for you, leave it in a safe place instead.
- Bring analog tools with you like a paper map, a camera, or walkie-talkies.
- Go with friends and share tools.