We’re Not in Kansas Anymore, Toto!
Everyone and I mean “everyone” thinks “It can’t happen to me” when it comes to ICEhole atrocities so watch this video of a white American citizen in Minnesota being detained by ICEholes. The thugs openly state they don’t care about legalities.
So, with that video in mind, read the following tips on how to secure your phone from illegal surveillance and searches while you attend protests/rallies/demonstrations.
How to Secure Your Phone Before a Protest – A Quick Guide
Protests are powerful expressions of civic engagement, but they can also attract unwanted attention from law‑enforcement or hostile actors. Even if you’re not a tech expert, a few deliberate tweaks to your iOS or Android device can dramatically reduce the risk that your personal data ends up in the wrong hands. Here’s a streamlined version of Emily Long’s comprehensive guide (Lifehacker, 2024).
1. Start With Strong Encryption
Both major mobile platforms encrypt data automatically when you protect the device with a passcode, PIN, or pattern. Verify that encryption is active (on Android, look under Settings > Security > Encrypt Disk). If it isn’t, enable it now—this ensures that a locked phone can’t be read without the secret code.
2. Ditch Biometric Unlocks
Facial recognition and fingerprints are convenient, but they can be coerced or forced open. Switch to a robust alphanumeric passcode (iOS: Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Change Passcode; Android: Settings > Security & Privacy > Device Unlock > Fingerprint). Removing biometrics gives you stronger legal protection against compelled decryption.
3. Kill Location Signals
If you can, leave the phone at home. When you must bring it, activate Airplane Mode and manually turn off Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, and all location services. Remember that some apps cache GPS data and may upload it later, so disabling Location History (Android) or Location Services (iOS) adds an extra safety net.
4. Silence Previews and Notifications
Lock‑screen alerts can betray meeting times, contacts, or even passwords. Temporarily mute notifications and hide content previews:
- iOS: Settings > Notifications
- Android: Settings > Apps & notifications > Notifications
5. Shorten Auto‑Lock Time
Set the screen to lock after the briefest interval (30 seconds on iOS via Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto‑Lock; similar path on Android). A quick lock reduces the window an opportunist has to glimpse anything on the display.
6. Use App Pinning or Guided Access
When you need a single app (e.g., a messaging client), enable App Pinning (Android) or Guided Access (iOS) so the device stays confined to that app until you unlock it again. This prevents a thief from wandering through your home screen.
7. Protect the SIM Card
A SIM PIN blocks anyone from swapping the card into another phone or intercepting SMS‑based two‑factor codes. Activate it via Settings > Cellular > SIM PIN (iOS) or Settings > Security > More security settings (Android).
8. Sign Out, Hide, or Delete Sensitive Apps
Consider logging out of social‑media accounts or uninstalling apps that store confidential data. iOS lets you Require Face ID/Passcode for individual apps or hide them in a locked folder. Android offers a Private Space where apps are concealed behind a separate lock.
9. Enable Extreme Modes (Optional)
Both platforms ship with heavyweight security layers designed for journalists and activists:
- Lockdown Mode (iOS) – found under Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Advanced Protection (Android) – located in Settings > Security & privacy.
These modes lock down many system functions and block configuration changes, providing an extra barrier in high‑risk scenarios.
10. Post‑Protest Privacy Hygiene
After the event, scrub any photos or videos before sharing. Capture screenshots instead of originals, or send files through Signal, which strips metadata automatically. Use built‑in or third‑party blurring tools to obscure faces and other identifiers.
By applying these ten steps, you can attend a protest with confidence that your phone won’t become an accidental surveillance device. While no method is foolproof, layering encryption, strong authentication, and careful network hygiene makes it far harder for anyone to harvest your data.
Original article: Lifehacker, “How to Secure Your Phone Before a Protest,” by Emily Long.