⚠️ Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides information for lawful protest activities and personal digital security. Always comply with local laws. This information is for educational purposes. Consult with legal counsel for specific situations.
Understanding Protest Surveillance
IMSI Catchers (Stingrays)
Fake cell towers that intercept all phones in the area. Used by police to identify everyone at a protest. Your phone connects automatically - you won't even know.
Facial Recognition
Cameras with AI identify protesters in real-time. NYPD used it during 2020 BLM protests. Clearview AI has your face from social media.
Phone Exploitation
Geofence warrants grab data from all phones in an area. Police use Cellebrite to break into seized phones. Your device is evidence against you.
Aerial Surveillance
Drones and helicopters record crowds from above. License plate readers track vehicles. Even your car becomes a liability.
Before You Go: Preparation
Decide: Bring Phone or Leave It?
Option A: Leave Your Phone at Home (MOST SECURE)
- No tracking possible
- No data to seize if arrested
- No IMSI catcher risk
- Consider a cheap burner for emergencies only
Option B: Bring a Burner Phone
- Buy with cash, no ID
- Never turn on near home/work
- Never log into personal accounts
- Dispose after protest
Option C: Bring Your Phone (Prepared)
If you must bring your regular phone, follow ALL steps below.
Phone Lockdown Checklist
Essential Settings (Do These First)
- ✅ Enable airplane mode before leaving home
- ✅ Disable biometrics (Face ID/fingerprint) - police can force biometric unlock
- ✅ Set strong alphanumeric passcode (not 4-6 digits)
- ✅ Disable all location services
- ✅ Turn off WiFi and Bluetooth (they track you)
- ✅ Disable Siri/Google Assistant (can be triggered remotely)
Privacy Hardening
- ✅ Disable lock screen notifications
- ✅ Turn off message previews
- ✅ Log out of all social media apps
- ✅ Clear browser history/cookies
- ✅ Delete sensitive photos/messages
- ✅ Disable cloud backup/sync
Install Security Apps
Signal
Encrypted messaging with disappearing messages. Set all chats to auto-delete after 1 hour.
ProtonMail/Tutanota
Encrypted email if you need to coordinate. Never use Gmail/Yahoo at protests.
Tor Browser
Anonymous browsing if you need to check information. Never use regular browsers.
ObscuraCam
Automatically blurs faces in photos before sharing. Protects other protesters' identities. Note: Blur can be reversed by AI. Use heavy settings or solid masking for sensitive content.
Physical Preparation
- Write lawyer's number on your arm (with marker)
- Carry ID and emergency contact info (on paper)
- Bring cash only - no credit cards
- Wear nondescript clothing (no logos)
- Cover identifying tattoos
- Consider wearing a mask (check local laws)
- Use a regular watch, not smartwatch
- Leave smart devices at home (tablets, laptops, fitness trackers)
During the Protest: Active Security
📱 Phone Discipline
- Keep phone in airplane mode unless absolutely necessary
- Never connect to protest WiFi - they're honeypots
- Don't livestream - you're creating evidence
- Be careful photographing - you're documenting crimes for police
- Use Signal for all communication - with disappearing messages
- Stay in groups - isolation makes you vulnerable
🚨 If Police Approach
- Lock your phone immediately (press power button 5 times on iPhone)
- Don't consent to searches
- Don't unlock phone even if ordered (get a lawyer)
- Say: "I don't consent to searches. I'm exercising my right to remain silent. I want a lawyer."
- Don't explain why you won't unlock - just repeat the above
Counter-Surveillance Techniques
Spot Surveillance
Look for: Antennas on vehicles, people with multiple phones, "protesters" who don't engage, people filming faces not actions.
Camera Awareness
Stay aware of CCTV, police cameras, news media. Use umbrellas to block aerial surveillance. Laser pointers can disrupt cameras (may be illegal).
Blend In
Don't stand out. Dress like others. Move with crowds. Avoid being isolated or on edges where you're easily grabbed.
If You're Arrested
⚖️ Your Rights (US)
- You have the right to remain silent - USE IT
- You have the right to refuse searches
- You have the right to a lawyer
- Police can lie to you legally
- Anything you say WILL be used against you
- You cannot talk your way out of arrest
Phone Security During Arrest
- Try to power off phone completely before arrest
- Never provide passcode/password - biometrics can be forced
- Don't consent to phone searches - make them get a warrant
- Assert attorney-client privilege if phone has lawyer communications
- Remember: They may copy your phone data even without unlocking
What Police Can Do
- Force biometric unlock (fingerprint/face) in some jurisdictions
- Use Cellebrite/GrayKey to break into phones
- Copy all data even from locked phones sometimes
- Get your data from cloud services with warrants
- Track your location history from carriers
After the Protest: Cleanup
Immediate Actions
- Get to a safe location before re-enabling phone
- Check in with your safety person
- Document any injuries or police violence
- Back up any evidence to secure location
- Delete sensitive content from devices
Digital Cleanup
- Review and delete photos that show faces
- Clear Signal messages if not set to auto-delete
- Clear browser history and cookies
- Review social media for accidental posts
- Check for new apps/changes on your phone
- Consider factory reset if phone was confiscated
Ongoing Security
- Watch for surveillance (cars following, weird calls)
- Be careful what you post on social media
- Don't discuss illegal activities electronically
- Support arrested comrades (jail support, legal funds)
- Debrief with your group about security issues
Advanced Techniques
⚠️ High-Risk Activists Only
These techniques are for those facing severe state repression. They may be illegal in some jurisdictions or mark you as suspicious.
Faraday Bags/Cages
Blocks all radio signals to/from phone. True airplane mode. Can buy or make with aluminum foil layers. Test it - call your phone while it's inside.
Anonymous Procurement
- Buy phones with cash, no ID
- Use public WiFi for setup (library, cafe)
- Create accounts with fake info
- Never connect to personal accounts
- Never turn on near home/work
Operational Security
- Use different clothes for protests
- Change appearance (removable tattoos, different hair)
- Use cash for all protest-related travel
- Create alibis and cover stories
- Compartmentalize - different groups know different things
Resources & Support
Legal Support
- National Lawyers Guild: nlg.org
- ACLU: aclu.org
- EFF: eff.org
- Local legal collectives
Security Training
- Security in a Box: securityinabox.org
- Surveillance Self-Defense: ssd.eff.org
- CryptoParty: cryptoparty.in
- Local activist security trainings
Emergency Contacts
- Write lawyer number on arm
- Have jail support ready
- Designate emergency contact
- Know local bail fund info
Remember: We Keep Us Safe
The best security is collective security. Look out for each other. Share knowledge. Practice good security culture. The state has massive surveillance powers, but solidarity is our strength.
Your security protects everyone. Everyone's security protects you.
⚠️ Final Reminders
- No security is perfect - assess your own risk
- Laws vary by location - know your local rights
- Technology changes - stay updated on threats
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it probably is
- The goal is to protest safely and effectively