Staying Safe with Your Smartphone at Protests: A Guide for North East India

As protests continue to erupt across the globe, it is crucial for demonstrators to stay safe and secure, especially in a surveillance-heavy world. With smartphones being a vital tool for communication and coordination, it is essential to ensure they do not pose a risk to our privacy, security, or safety.

The Risks of Using Smartphones at Protests

While smartphones can be powerful tools for documenting and countering misinformation, they can also be used against protesters. Law enforcement agencies can access our devices, scrutinizing our emails, social media, and private messages, potentially revealing our friends, family, and associates.

Biometrics vs. Passcodes

Biometric access features, such as facial or fingerprint recognition, can be convenient but may not offer the same level of protection as passwords or passcodes. Some legal experts consider passcodes to be information obtained from our minds and, therefore, comparable to asking someone to self-incriminate if they reveal them to the police.

External Biometrics and Facial Recognition

Protesters should be aware of the use of biometric technologies, such as facial recognition on street cameras or body-worn cameras, when deciding what to wear to a protest.

Staying Safe with Your Smartphone at Protests

Temporarily Disable Biometrics

To protect your privacy and security, it is recommended to temporarily disable biometric access features on your smartphone before attending a protest.

Use Encrypted Apps

Signal is widely recommended as a secure messaging service that provides end-to-end encryption for phone calls and messaging. It is recommended to use this app during protests instead of sending simple text messages or messaging over social media.

Sign Out of Personal Apps

To reduce the risk of your personal information being accessed, it is advisable to sign out of any apps that could be detrimental if accessed, such as social media apps and email accounts.

Leave Your Phone Locked

Keep your phone locked down at all times when attending a protest. If your mobile device is confiscated or stolen, when it is unlocked, you are exposing your information and communication to other parties.

Consider Using Airplane Mode

Enabling airplane mode can help reduce the risk of being tracked or identified. However, keep in mind you will need to turn off airplane mode when you want to check your messages.

Be Careful of What You Share Online

Be mindful of the photos and videos you post online, especially if they are shared on public forums and could put other protesters at risk.

Relevance to North East India and Broader Indian Context

In North East India, protests and demonstrations are not uncommon, and the use of smartphones as a tool for communication and coordination is equally prevalent. The tips outlined in this guide can help protect the privacy and security of protesters in the region, ensuring they can safely exercise their right to demonstrate.

Looking Forward

As technology continues to evolve, so too will the methods used by law enforcement agencies to monitor and surveil protesters. It is essential for demonstrators to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect their privacy and security.