#Smartphone Privacy Protection

[balu88r-blog]

Tech News - ನಿಮ್ಮ ಸ್ಮಾರ್ಟ್ ಪೋನ್ ಹ್ಯಾಕ್ ಆಗೋದನ್ನು ಹೇಗೆ ತಡೆಯಬಹುದು? ಈ ಸಿಂಪಲ್ ಟಿಪ್ಸ್ ಫಾಲೋ ಮಾಡಿ….!

Tech News : ಇಂದಿನ ಡಿಜಿಟಲ್ ಜಗತ್ತಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಮಾರ್ಟ್ ಪೋನ್ ನಮ್ಮ ಬದುಕಿನ ಅವಿಭಾಜ್ಯ ಅಂಗವಾಗಿದೆ. ಪರ್ಸನಲ್ ಮಾಹಿತಿ, ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ಡೀಟೇಲ್ಸ್, ಪಾಸ್ವರ್ಡ್, ಫೋಟೋಗಳು, ಮತ್ತು ವಿಡಿಯೋಗಳನ್ನು ನಾವು ಸ್ಮಾರ್ಟ್ ಪೋನ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಸೇವ್ ಮಾಡುತ್ತೇವೆ. ಆದರೆ, ಸ್ಮಾರ್ಟ್ ಪೋನ್ ಗಳು ಹ್ಯಾಕರ್‌ಗಳ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಟಾರ್ಗೆಟ್ ಆಗಿವೆ. ಸ್ಮಾರ್ಟ್ ಪೋನ್ ಹ್ಯಾಕ್ ಆದ್ರೆ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಪರ್ಸನಲ್ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಕಳ್ಳತನವಾಗಬಹುದು ಮತ್ತು ಹಣಕಾಸು ನಷ್ಟವಾಗುವ ಸಾಧ್ಯತೆ ಇದೆ. ಆದರೆ ಕೆಲವೊಂದು ಸುಲಭ ಟಿಪ್ಸ್‌ಗಳನ್ನು ಪಾಲಿಸಿದರೆ…

[bob3160]

Using Gemini Live with Eyes to Verify Spam

[akmundovirtual]

(vía Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Truly More Private?. The AI That Protects Your Data Like Never Before)

[familythings]

Is Your Phone Really Listening to You? The Shocking Truth Revealed!

You might think it’s just a wild conspiracy theory, but guess what? Your phone could totally be eavesdropping on what you say! Recently, Cox Media Group (CMG) dropped a bombshell, revealing that smartphones are listening in so they can serve up ads just for you. This juicy tidbit popped up during a pitch to investors, where the marketing crew—working with big names like Facebook and Google—showed…

[jcmarchi]

Italy: CharGPT Violates Privacy Rules - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/italy-chargpt-violates-privacy-rules-technology-org/

Italy: CharGPT Violates Privacy Rules - Technology Org

Italy’s data protection authority, known as Garante, has declared that OpenAI’s ChatGPT violates data protection regulations.

This decision comes as a result of the continuing investigation initiated last year.

ChatGPT app icon on a smartphone screen. Image credit: Focal Foto via Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0

Garante, an active enforcer of the EU’s data privacy regime, had previously banned ChatGPT over alleged EU privacy rule violations. Although the service was reinstated after OpenAI addressed concerns, Garante has now found elements suggesting potential privacy violations.

Microsoft-backed OpenAI has been given 30 days to present defense arguments.

The investigation will consider input from a European task force comprising national privacy watchdogs.

Italy was the first Western European country to restrict ChatGPT. Under the EU’s GDPR, violators face fines of up to 4% of their global turnover.

Written by Vytautas Valinskas

You can offer your link to a page which is relevant to the topic of this post.

[headlinehorizon]

10 Simple Steps to Strengthen Your Smartphone Security

Protect your personal information and stay safe from cyber threats with these easy tips to enhance your smartphone security.

[mariacallous]

Entering the United States has become more precarious since the start of the second Trump administration in January. There has been an apparent surge in both foreign visitors and US visa holders being detained, questioned, and even deported at the border. As the situation evolves, demand for flights from Canada and Europe has plummeted as people reevaluate their travel plans.

Many people, though, can’t avoid border crossings, whether they are returning home after traveling for work or visiting friends and family abroad. Regardless of the reason for travel, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have the authority to search people’s phones and other devices as they determine who is allowed to enter the country. Multiple travelers have reported being questioned or turned away at the US border in recent weeks in relation to content on their phones.

While not unique to the US border—other nations also have powers to inspect phones—the increasingly volatile nature of the Trump administration’s border policies is causing people to rethink the risks of carrying devices packed with personal information to and from the US. Canadian authorities have updated travel guidance to warn of phone searches and seizures, some corporate executives are reconsidering the devices they carry, some officials in Europe continue to receive burner phones for certain trips to the US, and the Committee to Protect Journalists has warned foreign reporters about device searches at the US border.

With this in mind, here’s the WIRED guide to planning for bringing a smartphone across the border. You should also use WIRED’s guide to entering the US with your digital privacy intact to get a broader view of how to minimize data and take precautions. But start here for everything smartphone.

What Can CBP Access?

Do CBP officials have the authority to search your phone at the border? The short answer is yes. Searches are either manual, with a border official looking through the device, or more advanced, involving forensic tools to extract data en masse. To get into your phone, border officials can ask for your PIN or biometric to unlock the phone. However, your legal status and right to enter the US will make a difference in what a search might look like at the border.

Generally, border zones—which includes US international airports—fall outside of Fourth Amendment protections that require a warrant for a device to be searched (though one federal court has ruled otherwise). As such, CBP has the power to search any traveler’s phone or other electronic devices, such as computers and cameras, when they’re entering the country. US citizens and green card holders can refuse a device search without being denied entry, but they may face additional questioning or temporary device seizure. And as the Trump administration pushes the norms of acceptable government conduct, it is possible that, in practice, green card holders could face new repercussions for declining a device search. US visa holders and foreign visitors can face detention and deportation for refusing a device search.

“Not everybody has the same risk profile,” says Molly Rose Freeman Cyr, a member of Amnesty International’s Security Lab. “A person’s legal status, the social media accounts that they use, the messaging apps that they use, and the contents of their chats” should all factor into their risk calculus and the decisions they make about border crossings, Cyr says.

If you feel safe refusing a search, make sure to disable biometrics used to unlock your device, like face or fingerprint scanners, which CBP officers can use to access your device. Instead, use only a PIN or an alphanumeric code (if available on your device). Make sure to keep your phone’s operating system up to date, which can make it hard to crack with forensic tools.

You should also consider factors like nationality, citizenship, profession, and geopolitical views in assessing whether you or someone you’re traveling with could be at higher risk of scrutiny during border crossings.

In short, you need to make some decisions before you travel about whether you would be prepared to refuse a device search and whether you want to make changes to your devices before your trips.

Keep in mind that there are simple steps anyone can take to keep your devices out of sight and, hopefully, out of mind during border crossings. It’s always a good idea to obtain a printed boarding pass or prepare other paper documents for review and then turn your phone off and store it in your bag before you approach a CBP agent.

Traveling With an Alternate Phone

There are two ways to approach device privacy for border crossings. One is to start with a clean slate, purchasing a phone for the purpose of traveling or wiping and repurposing your old phone—if it still receives software updates.

The device doesn’t need to be a true “burner” phone, in the sense that you will be carrying it with you as if nothing is out of the ordinary, so you don’t need to purchase it with cash or take other steps to ensure that it can’t be connected to you. The idea, though, is to build a sanitized version of your digital life on the travel phone, ideally with separate communication and social media accounts created specifically for travel. This way, if your device is searched, it won’t have the back catalog of data—old text messages, years of photos, forgotten apps, and access to many or all of your digital accounts—that exists on your primary phone and could reveal details of your political views, your associations, or your movements over time.

Starting with a clean slate makes it easy to practice “data minimization,” or reducing the data available to another person: Simply put the things you’ll need for a trip on the phone without anything you won’t need. You might make a travel email address, some alternate social media accounts, and a separate account for end-to-end encrypted communications using an app like Signal or WhatsApp. Ideally you would totally silo your real digital life from this travel life. But you can also include some of your regular personal apps, building back from the ground up while determining on a selective basis whether you have existing accounts that you feel comfortable potentially exposing. Perhaps, for example, you think that showing a connection to your employer or a community organization could be advantageous in a fraught situation.

Privacy and digital rights advocates largely prefer the approach of building a travel device from scratch, but they caution that a phone that is too squeaky clean, too much like a burner phone, can arouse suspicion.

“You have to ‘seed’ the device. Use the phone for a day or even for a few hours. It just can't be clean clean. That’s weird,” says Matt Mitchell, founder of CryptoHarlem, a security and privacy training and advocacy nonprofit. “My recommendation is to make a finsta for travel, because if they ask you what your profile is, how are you gonna say ‘I don't use any social media’? Many people have a few accounts anyway. One ratchet, one wholesome—add one travel.”

Cyr, from Amnesty International, also points out that a true burner phone would be a “dumb” phone, which wouldn’t be able to run apps for encrypted communications. “The advantage that we all have with smartphones is that you can communicate in an encrypted way,” Cyr says. “People should be conscious that any nonencrypted communication is less secure than a phone call or a message on an application like Signal.”

While a travel device doesn’t need to use a prepaid SIM card bought with cash, it should not share your normal phone number, since this number is likely linked to most if not all of your key digital accounts. Buy a SIM card for your trip or only use the device on Wi-Fi.

Traveling With Your Primary Phone

The other approach you can take to protecting your device during border crossings is to modify your primary smartphone before travel. This involves removing old photos and messages and storing them somewhere else, cleaning out nonessential apps, and either removing some apps altogether or logging out of them with your main accounts and logging back in with travel accounts.

Mohammed Al-Maskati, digital security helpline director at the rights group Access Now, says that people should consider this type of clean-out before they travel. “I will look at my device and see what apps I need,” he says. “If I don't need the app, I just remove it.”

Al-Maskati adds that he suggests people particularly remember to remove dating apps and anything related to LGBTQI communities, especially if they consider themselves to be at higher risk of facing a device search. And generally, this approach is only safe if you are particularly diligent about removing every app that might expose you to risk.

You could use your own phone as a travel phone by backing it up, wiping it, building a travel device with only the apps you really need while traveling, going on your trip, and then restoring from the backup when you get home. This approach is doable but time consuming, and it creates more opportunities for operational security mistakes or what are known as “opsec fails.” If you try to delete all of your old, unwanted apps, but miss one, you could end up exposing an old social media account or other historic service that has forgotten data in it. Messaging apps can have easily searchable archives going back years and can automatically save photos and files without you realizing it. And if you back up all of your data to the cloud and take it off your device, but are still logged into the cloud account underpinning other services (like your main Google or Apple account), you could be asked to produce the data from the cloud for inspection.

Still, if you assess that you are at low risk of facing scrutiny during a border crossing or you don’t have access to an additional device for travel, modifying your main smartphone is a good option. Just be careful.

What To Do, If Nothing Else

Given all of this, you may be hyped up and ready to throw your phone in the ocean. Or you may be thinking there’s no way in hell that you’re ever going to take the time to deal with any of this. For those in the latter camp, you’ve come this far, so don’t click away just yet. If you don’t want to take the time to make a bunch of changes, and you don’t think you’re at particular risk during border crossings (though keep in mind that it’s possible your risk is higher than you realize), there are still a few easy things you can do to protect your digital privacy that are better than nothing.

First, as mentioned above, print a paper boarding pass and any other documents you might need. Even if you don’t turn your phone off and stow it in a bag for your entire entry or exit process, you can put it in your pocket and have your paper ticket and other documents ready while actually interacting with agents. And taking basic digital hygiene steps, like updating your phone and removing apps and data you no longer need, can go a long way.

“We all need to be recognizing that authorities may scrutinize your online presence, including social media activity and posts you’ve published,” says Danacea Vo, founder of Cyberlixir, a cybersecurity provider for nonprofits and vulnerable communities. “Since people have gotten more vocal on social media, they’re very worried about this. Some have even decided not to risk traveling to or from the US this year.”

[tanjidahmed]

How to Watch IPTV on Phone?

How to Watch IPTV on Phone: Full Step-by-Step Guide 

In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to stream your favorite live TV channels, sports, and movies directly from your smartphone is more convenient than ever. Thanks to IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), you can now watch high-quality content on the go, right from your Android or iOS phone.

This complete guide will show you how to watch IPTV on your phone, step-by-step, with real examples from IPTV providers like StreamView IPTV and Digitalizard. Whether you use Android or iPhone, this tutorial will help you get started easily.

What is IPTV?

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) delivers live TV channels and on-demand video content through internet connections, rather than traditional cable or satellite. With IPTV, all you need is:

A reliable IPTV subscription (e.g., Streamview IPTV or Digitalizard),

An IPTV player app,

A good internet connection.

Requirements to Watch IPTV on Your Phone

To watch IPTV on your smartphone, you need:

📶 Stable internet connection (minimum 10 Mbps recommended)

📲 A compatible IPTV app for Android or iOS

🔐 Your IPTV credentials (M3U playlist link or Xtream Codes)

🔄 An updated Android or iOS device

How to Watch IPTV on Android Phone? Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Get Your IPTV Subscription

Sign up with a reliable IPTV provider like:

🔹 Streamview IPTV – Offers M3U and Xtream Code login, with 24/7 channels and VOD content.

🔹 Digitalizard – Known for HD quality and global channels, compatible with many IPTV players.

Once registered, they’ll email you:

M3U Playlist URL

Or Xtream Codes (Username, Password, and Server URL)

Step 2: Download a Reliable IPTV Player App

Some of the best IPTV apps for Android:

IPTV Smarters Pro

TiviMate IPTV Player

XCIPTV Player

GSE Smart IPTV

Go to Google Play Store, search for one of these apps, and install it.

Step 3: Load IPTV Playlist

Open the IPTV app (e.g., IPTV Smarters Pro).

Choose how you want to login:

Load Your Playlist or File URL (M3U)

Login with Xtream Codes API

Enter the details you received from Streamview IPTV or Digitalizard.

Tap Add User and wait for the channels to load.

Start streaming your favorite live TV channels, sports, or movies.

How to Watch IPTV on iPhone (iOS)? Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Subscribe to IPTV Service

Choose from verified providers like:

Streamview IPTV – Offers multi-device support including iOS.

Digitalizard – Offers fast delivery of login details and mobile-compatible links.

Step 2: Download an IPTV Player App for iOS

Top IPTV apps for iPhone:

IPTV Smarters – Player

GSE Smart IPTV

iPlayTV

Smarters Player Lite

Go to the App Store, search for one of these apps, and install it.

Step 3: Configure the App

Open the IPTV app on your iPhone.

Select either Xtream Codes Login or M3U Playlist option.

Enter:

Server URL

Username

Password (provided by Streamview IPTV or Digitalizard)

Tap Login and wait for the channel list to load.

Enjoy streaming HD content directly on your iPhone.

Key Features You’ll Enjoy

When using services like Streamview IPTV or Digitalizard, here’s what you typically get:

✅ 10,000+ Live TV Channels

✅ Video On Demand (Movies, TV Shows)

✅ 24/7 Sports & PPV Channels

✅ EPG (Electronic Program Guide)

✅ Catch-up & Recording Options (depends on player)

✅ Anti-freeze Technology

Use a VPN for Secure Streaming

To protect your privacy and avoid ISP throttling, it’s recommended to use a VPN while streaming IPTV on your phone. Apps like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark work great with mobile devices.

Troubleshooting Tips

Buffering? Switch to a lower-quality stream or use a VPN.

Can’t login? Double-check M3U/Xtream details or contact support.

App not loading? Clear cache or reinstall the IPTV player.

Final Thoughts

Watching IPTV on your phone is one of the easiest ways to enjoy live TV, sports, movies, and shows wherever you go. Whether you're using Android or iPhone, all you need is a trusted IPTV provider like Streamview IPTV or Digitalizard, and a reliable IPTV player app.

With a simple setup and internet access, you’ll have 24/7 entertainment right in your pocket.

FAQs

Can I watch IPTV on multiple devices?

Yes, both Streamview IPTV and Digitalizard support multi-device use. Check your plan for simultaneous connections.

 Is it legal to use IPTV on my phone?

Using licensed IPTV services is legal. Avoid using pirated or unverified sources.

Do I need a VPN for mobile IPTV?

A VPN is not mandatory but is highly recommended for security and privacy.

Can I record IPTV on my phone?

Some apps like XCIPTV support recording on Android. iOS options may be limited.

[sirfrogsworth]

I watched a video that cast Apple as a villain because of their smartphones. And when it comes to right to repair, they are a villain. The serialized parts that only work with one phone are ridiculous.

But the people who tout Android as the better alternative confuse me. Apple is a combo hardware/software developer. And they have been surprisingly good about protecting their users' privacy.

Google is an advertising monopoly. And Android is an advertising platform before anything else. You can use a fork that shuts a lot of that down, but 99% of people don't know how to do that.

They are all villains.

Any choice you make is going to be accepting some shitty thing.

[bob3160]

Your Phone is a Blabbermouth - Stop It from Leaking Your Data Now

[govindhtech]

Lenovo Duet Chromebook Powered By MediaTek Kompanio 838

Lenovo Duet Chromebook (11”, 9) and Chromebook Duet EDU G2, powered by MediaTek Kompanio 838, are transforming mobile productivity. These new Chromebooks with stunning 2K displays in 10.95-inch form factors strike the perfect combination between performance, design, and durability. Lenovo Chromebooks are for professionals, educators, and students.

The thinnest laptop available, the Lenovo Duet Chromebook (11”, 9) weighs less than 1.2 lbs and measures only 0.3 inches. It’s ideal for creative and enjoyment, with a stylish metal chassis, Corning Gorilla Glass, and a soft protective folio. The user experience is improved with twin USB-C ports, 4K display connection, clear music from two speakers with SmartAMP and Wave music, and an 8MP rear camera that takes use of MediaTek’s cutting-edge image processing technology. Note-taking, streaming, and sketching with the Lenovo USI Pen 2 are easy with the MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor’s strong CPU, graphics, and AI-enabled Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

With its durable TPU shell, detachable keyboard, and spill-resistant design, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet EDU G2 is made to handle the rigors of the classroom and is aimed towards educators and students alike. Additionally, it supports Chrome Education Upgrade, which helps IT organizations manage devices more easily.

AI-enhanced cameras, 2K 400-nit displays for outdoor reading, and 12-hour batteries are on both smartphones. The Chromebooks for business, education, and pleasure boost creativity and productivity anywhere.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet

Elegant Style with Adaptable Features

The elegant and effective Lenovo Duet Chromebook 11′′ is housed in a complete metal chassis with Corning glass. Ideal for work, pleasure, or everything in between, the soft polyurethane folio cover and clever kickstand design enable simple transitions between laptop and portrait modes.

Increase Output with MediaTek

With the powerful MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, NPU, and enough RAM, you can do more and wait less. In less than ten seconds, you can get started with Fast Boot, and on-device AI processing increases productivity by producing interactive multimedia experiences with unmatched effectiveness.

Innovative Instruments & Engaging Entertainment

Narrow bezels on the 10.95-inch 2K display maximize screen real estate whether you binge-watch YouTube or use SmartAMP with Waves Audio to play music with crystal-clear clarity. With the Lenovo USI Pen 2, which writes and doodles like a real pen, you can quickly and simply record, arrange, and communicate ideas on Good notes.

Maximum Durability & Portability

With a weight of just.51 kg/1.12 lbs and a thinness of just 7.6 mm/1.30 in, the Lenovo Duet Chromebook 11′′ is meant to be used when traveling. It can withstand life’s adventures thanks to its spill-resistant chassis and military-grade MIL-810H certification. Also, with an all-day battery life and a brilliant 400 nits display, you can read all day both indoors and outside.

Superior Webcams for All Occasions

With the 5MP front camera, which has a physical shutter for privacy, and the 8MP back camera, which produces vivid photos, you can stay connected and record every moment. Superior low-light performance and true-to-life colors are guaranteed by MediaTek’s sophisticated image processing.

Two USB-C Ports for Optimal Communication

Enjoy endless functionality with two USB-C connections that provide data transmission, quick charging, and video output. With a superior on-device AI solution, you can effortlessly connect to an external 4K monitor and remain productive with a headphone/mic connector that will keep you talking and interested all day.

Read more on govindhtech.com

[johnschneiderblog]

Cell phone quagmire

In one corner, you have the 12-year-old, noticing that more and more of his/her contemporaries are packing cell phones and wondering why he/she is being singled out for such heartless deprivation.

In the other corner, you have parents trying to protect their kids from the greedy clutches of social media and the darker, more sinister alleys of the Internet.

I'm glad I'm not the the referee. I would lean toward caution, but I sympathize with a kid's desire to be linked in. And I recently heard a point of view I hadn't considered: Given the fact that household land lines are rare these days, an adolescent without a cell phone is pretty much in a telecommunications desert.

Sure, he/she can borrow a parent's cell to make a call, but what if the parents aren't around? And, for incoming calls, what parent wants to become an answering service for their kid?

Even in my adolescence - a period somewhere between smoke signals and smartphones - we had the classic kitchen wall phone, available to all who were quick enough.

The coily chord that held the receiver could be stretched to achieve a modicum of privacy, but not too much.

[virtualphonenumbersblog]

Take Control of Your Privacy: Smart Tips for Using a Burner Phone

A burner phone can be an excellent tool for protecting your privacy, managing specific tasks, or staying secure while traveling. Whether you're using it for business, temporary communication, or personal safety, a burner phone helps you stay in control. Here’s how to use it effectively and responsibly.

Understand the Purpose of a Burner Phone

A burner phone is a prepaid mobile phone intended for short-term or anonymous use. It’s ideal for situations where you want to keep your primary number private or need a secondary device. People use burner phones for various valid reasons such as online selling, travel, and temporary projects.

Choose a Simple and Functional Device

You don’t need an expensive smartphone. Select a basic mobile phone that allows calling and texting. These phones are usually affordable and widely available at retail stores and online.

Use a Prepaid SIM Card

Prepaid SIM cards are flexible and don’t require contracts. They give you full control over your spending and help keep your identity unlinked. You can easily find these cards in many convenience stores or online shops.

Avoid Linking Personal Information

To maintain privacy, avoid signing into personal accounts on your burner phone. Don’t connect your main email, social media, or cloud storage. Keep it clean and focused on one task or purpose.

Stick to One Purpose

Burner phones work best when used for a specific reason. Whether it’s a temporary job, an online transaction, or travel, limiting the phone’s use helps you stay organized and secure.

Keep the Phone Secure

Even though it’s a temporary device, treat your burner phone with care. Store it in a safe place when not in use. Set a passcode to prevent unauthorized access and avoid leaving it unattended in public places.

Manage Contacts Carefully

Add only the contacts necessary for the phone’s specific use. Avoid syncing your full contact list, and don’t store sensitive information unless absolutely necessary.

Power Off When Not in Use

To limit unnecessary tracking or data use, turn off your burner phone when you’re not using it. This also conserves battery and keeps the device available when needed.

Dispose of the Phone Properly

When you're finished with the phone, erase all data, remove the SIM card, and dispose of the device responsibly. Many recycling programs accept used electronics, ensuring they don’t harm the environment.

Follow the Law

Always use burner phones for legal and ethical purposes. They’re helpful tools when used responsibly, and respecting privacy laws ensures a positive experience for everyone.

[mariacallous]

A major groundswell of nationwide protests against the second Trump administration has arrived.

If you're going to join any protests, as is your right under the First Amendment, you need to think beyond your physical well-being to your digital security, too. The same surveillance apparatus that’s enabling the Trump administration’s raids of undocumented people and targeting of left-leaning activists will no doubt be out in full force on the streets.

Two key elements of digital surveillance should be top of mind for protestors. One is the data that authorities could potentially obtain from your phone if you are detained, arrested, or they confiscate your device. The other is surveillance of all the identifying and revealing information that you produce when you attend a protest, which can include wireless interception of text messages and more, and tracking tools like license plate scanners and face recognition. You should be mindful of both.

After all, police have already demonstrated their willingness to arrest and attack entirely peaceful protesters as well as journalists observing demonstrations. In that light, you should assume that any digital evidence that you were at or near a protest could be used against you.

“The Trump administration is weaponizing essentially every lever of government to shut down, suppress, and curtail criticism of the administration and of the US government generally, and there have never been more surveillance toys available to law enforcement and to US government agencies,” says Evan Greer, the deputy director of the activist organization Fight for the Future, who also wrote a helpful X (then-Twitter) thread laying out digital security advice during the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020. “That said, there are a number of very simple, concrete things that you can do that make it exponentially more difficult for someone to intercept your communications, for a bad actor to ascertain your real-time location, or for the government to gain access to your private information.”

This story was originally published on May 31, 2020 and updated on June 12, 2025.

Your Phone

The most important decision to make before leaving home for a protest is whether to bring your phone—or what phone to bring. A smartphone broadcasts all sorts of identifying information; law enforcement can force your mobile carrier to cough up data about what cell towers your phone connects to and when. Police in the US have also been documented using so-called stingray devices, or IMSI catchers, that impersonate cell towers and trick all the phones in a certain area into connecting to them. This can give cops the individual mobile subscriber identity number of everyone at a protest at a given time, undermining the anonymity of entire crowds en masse.

“The device in your pocket is definitely going to give off information that could be used to identify you,” says Harlo Holmes, director of digital security at the Freedom of the Press Foundation, a nonprofit press advocacy group. (Disclosure: WIRED’s global editorial director, Katie Drummond, serves on Freedom of the Press Foundation’s board.)

For that reason, Holmes suggests that protesters who want anonymity leave their primary phone at home altogether. If you do need a phone for coordination or as a way to call friends or a lawyer in case of an emergency, keep it off as much as possible to reduce the chances that it connects to a rogue cell tower or Wi-Fi hot spot being used by law enforcement for surveillance. Sort out logistics with friends in advance so you only need to turn your phone on if something goes awry. Or to be even more certain that your phone won’t be tracked, keep it in a Faraday bag that blocks all of its radio communications. Open the bag only when necessary. Holmes herself uses and recommends the Mission Darkness Faraday bag.

If you do need a mobile device, consider bringing only a secondary phone you don’t use often, or a burner. Your main smartphone likely has the majority of your digital accounts and data on it, all of which law enforcement could conceivably access if they confiscate your phone. But don’t assume that any backup phone you buy will grant you anonymity. If you give a prepaid carrier your identifying details, after all, your “burner” phone could be no more anonymous than your primary device. “Don’t expect because you got it from Duane Reade that you’re automatically a character from The Wire,” Holmes cautions.

Instead of a burner phone, Holmes argues that it may be far more practical to simply own a secondary phone that you’ve set up to be less sensitive—leaving off accounts and apps that offer your most private information to anyone who seizes it, such as social media, email, and messaging apps. “Choosing a secondary device that limits the amount of personal data that you have on you at all times is probably your best protection,” Holmes says.

Regardless of what phone you’re using, consider that traditional calls and text messages are vulnerable to surveillance. That means you need to use end-to-end encryption. Ideally, you and those you communicate with should use disappearing messages set to self-delete after a few hours or days. The encrypted messaging and calling app Signal has perhaps the best and longest track record. Just make sure you and the people you’re communicating with are using the same app, since they’re not interoperable.

Aside from protecting your phone’s communications from surveillance, be prepared in the event police seize your device and try to unlock it in search of incriminating evidence. The first order of business is to make sure your smartphone’s contents are encrypted. iOS devices have full disk encryption on by default if you enable an access lock. For Android phones, go to Settings, then Security to make sure the Encrypt Disk option is turned on. (These steps may differ depending on your specific device.)

Regardless of your operating system, always protect devices with a long, strong passcode rather than a fingerprint or face unlock. As convenient as biometric unlocking methods are, it may be more difficult to resist an officer forcing your thumb onto your phone’s sensor, for instance, than to refuse to tell them a passcode. So if you use biometrics day-to-day for convenience, disable them before heading into a protest.

If you insist on using biometric unlocking methods to have faster access to your devices, keep in mind that some phones have an emergency function to disable these types of locks. Hold the wake button and one of the volume buttons simultaneously on an iPhone, for instance, and it will lock itself and require a passcode to unlock rather than FaceID or TouchID, even if they’re enabled. Most devices also let you take photos or record video without unlocking them first, a good way to keep your phone locked as much as possible.

Your Face

Face recognition has become one of the most powerful tools to identify your presence at a protest. Consider wearing a face mask and sunglasses to make it far more difficult for you to be identified by face recognition in surveillance footage or social media photos or videos of the protest. Fight for the Future’s Greer cautions, however, that the accuracy of the most effective face recognition tools available to law enforcement remains something of an unknown, and a simple surgical mask or KN95 may no longer be enough to defeat well-honed face-tracking tech.

If you’re serious about not being identified, she says, a full-face mask may be far safer—or even a Halloween-style one. “I've seen people wear funny cosplay-style cartoon masks or mascot suits or silly costumes,” says Greer, offering as an example Donald Trump and Elon Musk masks that she’s seen protesters wear at Tesla Takedown protests against Musk and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). “That's a great way to defy facial recognition and also make the protest more fun.”

You should also consider the clothes you’re wearing before you head out. Colorful clothing or prominent logos makes you more recognizable to law enforcement and easier to track. If you have tattoos that make you identifiable, consider covering them.

Greer cautions, though, that preventing determined surveillance-empowered agencies from learning the mere fact that you attended a protest at all is increasingly difficult. For those of you in the most sensitive positions—such as undocumented immigrants at risk of deportation—she suggests that you consider staying home rather than depend on any obfuscation technique to mask their presence at an event.

If you’re driving a car to a protest—your own or someone else’s—consider that automatic license plate readers can easily identify the vehicle’s movements. And, in addition to license plates, be aware that these same sensors can also detect other words and phrases, including those on bumper stickers, signs, and even T-shirts.

More broadly, everyone who attends a protest needs to consider—perhaps more than ever before—what their tolerance for risk might be, from mere identification to the possibility of arrest or detention. “I think it's important to say that protesting in the US now comes with higher risks than it used to—it comes with a real possibility of physical violence and mass arrest,” says Danacea Vo, the founder of Cyberlixir, a cybersecurity provider for nonprofits and vulnerable communities. “Even just compared to protests that happened last month, people were able to just show up barefaced and march. Now things have changed.”

Your Online Footprint

Though most privacy and security considerations for attending an in-person protest naturally relate to your body, any devices you bring with you, and your physical surroundings, there are a set of other factors to think about online. It’s important to understand how posts on social media and other platforms before, during, or after a protest could be collected and used by authorities to identify and track you or others. Simply saying on an online platform that you are attending or attended a protest puts the information out there. And if you take photos or videos during a protest, that content could be used to expand law enforcement’s view of who attended a protest and what they did while there, including any strangers who appear in your images or footage.

Authorities can come to your online presence by looking for information about you in particular, but can also arrive there using bulk data analysis tools like Dataminr that offer law enforcement and other customers real-time monitoring connecting people to their online activity. Such tools can also surface past posts, and if you’ve ever made violent comments online or alluded to committing crimes—even as a joke—law enforcement could discover the activity and use it against you if you are questioned or arrested during a protest. This is a particular concern for people living in the US on visas or those whose immigration status is tenuous. The US State Department has said explicitly that it is monitoring immigrants’ and travelers’ social media activity.

In addition to written posts, keep in mind that files you upload to social media might contain metadata like time stamps and location information that could help authorities track protest crowds and movement. Make sure you have permission to photograph or videotape any fellow protesters who would be potentially identifiable in your content. Also think carefully before livestreaming. It’s important to document what’s going on but difficult to be sure that everyone who could show up in your stream is comfortable being included.

Even if you take photos and videos that you don’t plan to post on social media or otherwise share, remember that this media could fall into law enforcement’s hands if they demand access to your device.

With federal crackdowns on protests ramping up around the country, Cyberlixir’s Vo says that people must assess each situation and weigh the benefits of maintaining personal privacy versus chronicling the reality of what’s happening at protests.

“Social media monitoring and online profiling is the factor that lots of people forget. Those who publish footage on social media should avoid sharing photos or videos that reveal people's faces,” she says. “But I also believe that documenting what’s going on is essential, especially in high-risk conditions, because when the state escalates we need proof for legal defense, for public record, for future organizing, and also to keep ourselves physically safe in real time.”

As protests continue—with the real possibility of even further escalated response from the Trump administration—be prepared for the emergence of forms of digital surveillance that have never been used in the US before to counter civil disobedience or to retaliate against protesters after the fact. Protesters will need to stay vigilant, and Fight for the Future’s Greer emphasizes that everyone has different potential vulnerabilities and tolerance for risk. For people of every category of risk, however, a few thoughtful privacy protections can go a long way towards empowering them to hit the streets.

“Part of the goal of governments extending and implementing mass surveillance programs is to scare people and make people think twice before they speak up,” Greer says. “I think that we should be very careful in this moment not to fall into that trap.”

[nareshkumartech]

The Intersection of Driver’s Licenses and Cybersecurity in 2025

As we look toward 2025, cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly critical aspect of the digital transformation of driver’s licenses. With more Canadians opting for digital driver’s licenses (DLs), ensuring these digital IDs are protected from cyber threats is paramount. The convergence of driver’s licenses and cybersecurity is reshaping how individuals manage their credentials and how governments secure sensitive information in the digital age.

The Rise of Digital Driver’s Licenses

Digital driver’s licenses have emerged as an essential part of Canada’s shift toward smarter, more efficient services. Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have started offering digital licenses, allowing residents to store their DLs on smartphones and access them via secure apps. This shift is not only more convenient for drivers but also reduces physical waste and improves overall efficiency in verification processes.

However, with these advances come new risks, particularly related to cybersecurity. As digital licenses become more widespread, ensuring their security is a growing concern for both citizens and government agencies.

To stay updated on the latest digital licensing guidelines, licenseprep.ca is a valuable resource that provides information about digital driver’s licenses and the security protocols involved in their use.

Cybersecurity Challenges in Digital Licenses

While digital driver’s licenses offer many benefits, they also introduce several cybersecurity risks that need to be addressed:

1. Data Breaches and Hacking

With digital licenses stored on smartphones, there is the risk of data breaches or hacking. Cybercriminals could potentially gain unauthorized access to users’ personal information, leading to identity theft or fraudulent activities. Securing the digital infrastructure that houses these licenses is essential to mitigating these threats.

2. Phishing and Fraud

Phishing attacks, where cybercriminals impersonate legitimate institutions to steal sensitive data, are a growing concern. Digital licenses could be targeted by these malicious actors, tricking users into sharing login credentials or personal information under false pretenses.

3. Privacy Concerns

As digital driver’s licenses become more integrated with other smart city systems, the amount of data being shared and stored increases. Ensuring that user privacy is protected and that data isn’t misused is crucial. A robust data encryption system must be in place to prevent unauthorized access to users' sensitive information.

Solutions to Strengthen Cybersecurity

To safeguard the future of digital driver’s licenses, various cybersecurity measures are being implemented:

1. Encryption and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Using end-to-end encryption ensures that the information stored on a digital driver’s license is protected from unauthorized access. Additionally, multi-factor authentication (MFA) can be used to add an extra layer of security when accessing or updating license information.

2. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology offers a decentralized and secure way of verifying identity, which could be used to authenticate digital licenses. By storing data across multiple nodes, blockchain reduces the risk of single points of failure that could be exploited by cybercriminals.

3. Regular Security Audits and Updates

Governments and agencies responsible for digital licensing systems will need to conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities. Timely security updates will also be crucial in protecting against emerging threats and keeping the systems up to date with the latest encryption protocols.

The Road Ahead

As Canada moves closer to a fully digital future, the intersection of driver’s licenses and cybersecurity will become even more important. With proper safeguards in place, digital driver’s licenses will not only provide convenience but will also ensure that citizens’ data remains secure.

For Canadians looking to stay informed about digital driver’s licenses and their role in the evolving digital landscape, licenseprep.ca is a helpful platform to track the latest updates and best practices in digital ID security.