44 Comments
User's avatar
Ånnikun's avatar

My friend who works in the communications industry says zero phones/walkietalkies are "safe". Even burner phones can and will be tied to you. Your META etc apps can be used by the feds to place your location as well as use camera and mic to record you. Your updated 2025 ToS clearly state this, even when not using the app, they will submit to federal censure and give them everything. Now recall a Project2025 architect is also on the META Community Standards & Enforcement board. Leave the phones at home. I predict that this summer we will see lethal force by the feds against protests, bc 47 has asked for violence against such. Member how baffled he was that the tanks didn't run over the Tiananmen Square guy? He will order the cybertrucks to keep rolling. Protest but understand this is a new deal we face.

Mary's avatar

Does it help to turn the phones off?

Ånnikun's avatar

I will ask him and get back to you but Im not sure. He's a smart cookie and was pretty adamant that they are nothing but trouble. Also, be prepared for vehicles running people down. Ive a protest Medic friend who was targeted and hit byba vehicle in Atlanta protests. They use cars bc the laws tend to protect the drivers in these instances. Wrongly, yes, but that's reality.

Ånnikun's avatar

From Mike, 15yr in telecom security. "No, turning off your phone will not help. The best tactic is to leave your phone at home. If you drive to the event with your phone or carry your phone with you, that is all track/traceable.The phone has a built-in power supply so that 911 calls can be made, even if your battery is dead. That powers the call and onboard GPS so that emergency service can locate you. Your SIM and IMEI data is continually broadcast."

😶‍🌫️

Flushpuppy's avatar

I would add that some watches should also be left at home.

Flushpuppy's avatar

Yikes. I would feel weird not having a way to communicate. Or who will record things that need to be seen by the world?

Ånnikun's avatar

I mean... the entire Civil Rights Movement was without cell phones. Activists will be tracked and locked up like they are doing at Columbia etc. Your phone is a snitch. The Press, indi reporters bc mainstream is pwnd, will cover what needs covering.

Leet's avatar

Old fashion video camera? Or go pro? Hmm…

Ånnikun's avatar

"Also, a vehicle with any "connected" services that is also tracked/traceable. There are also covert LPR (license plate readers) built into the traffic signal/management systems in many cities." -Mike the telecom guy

Babette Albin's avatar

My husband (age 77),is health compromised and we require a phone for safety reasons.

Does this mean we should not attend the event??

DEO's avatar

Got a cheap flip phone, too old to go it alone without communications. What if I keep it off until I am away from my house and only turn it on when I arrive at the location of the protest. I can even dispose of it before I get back on the train home.

Ånnikun's avatar

Nope. I asked him this and his reply: "No, turning off your phone will not help. The best tactic is to leave your phone at home. If you drive to the event with your phone or carry your phone with you, that is all track/traceable.The phone has a built-in power supply so that 911 calls can be made, even if your battery is dead. That powers the call and onboard GPS so that emergency service can locate you. Your SIM and IMEI data is continually broadcast. Also, a vehicle with any "connected" services that is also tracked/traceable. There are also covert LPR (license plate readers) built into the traffic signal/management systems in many cities."

jlp's avatar

Excellent advice! Thank you!!

Charles Huschle's avatar

Use analog - walkie

talkies.

Ånnikun's avatar

Nope. I have a friend in telecom security. Those will also get you tagged

M Boland's avatar

What if, for some god knows what reason, you should call 911, does that override what’s happening to you or the reason you’re calling it? Say someone next to you is being handcuffed or something equally not good?

John Brown's avatar

911 is the last number you want to call in this environment

M Boland's avatar

And I had really meant if there was an accident and someone was hurt. I was at a march some years back where a guy fell down steep steps and was badly hurt.

M Boland's avatar

So I thought, just checking. 😑

Babette Albin's avatar

Harry and l have been rights activists since 1962 and recently completed a protest march across the Brooklyn Bridge. It was peaceful and exhilarating!

Ollie's avatar

What a weird way to frame that. You don’t go to protest to be exhilarated you don’t “complete it” unless what you were protesting is unilaterally fucking stopped.

Tourist

Roop Dosanjh's avatar

I have signed up for protest in St Louis west county but I’m going alone. I’m 70 years old. Am I safe to go by myself? Please advise

Mama Says's avatar

Be in touch with legitimate organizers (ie: indivisible.org

or 50501), they will suggest a contact to go with or meet. It’s best to have a ‘protest buddy’ from now on. 💙

Steve Coleman's avatar

I'd like to add a couple of things to this thread. I like the idea of leaving your phone home. If you want video maybe get a small point-and-shoot camera? Many do have a GPS tracker to embed information into your images, but I don't think anyone can read them or tie them to you.

Wear your mask if you're worried about being ID'd by hostile photographers. Also messes up facial recognition software, I imagine. Most of you have probably seen movies where the good guys are tracking bad guys using facial recognition and CCTV footage.

Don't count on law enforcement following the rules, especially if they're Federal. Maybe carry a certified copy of your birth certificate.

Set up a timetable to check in with someone you trust to make noise if you do get arrested. You don't call? They will.

Stay safe out there.

HHRocketman's avatar

I didn’t see rules anywhere. What is expected and okay for able body men? Sorry I am new to this whole revolutionary thing

Ånnikun's avatar

Mike followed up with: "It may not be self-evident, but LPR's take front and rear images of the vehicle. The front image includes the image of any front seat driver/passenger. Facial recognition matching can then be done using OSINT (open source intel); think social media. Any special bumper sticker, color scheme, and damaged areas on the vehicle are also tracked/traceable."

Janice Farley's avatar

Trump is itching to shoot protestors. However, I have faith in the NYPD not to blow their cool. It will be soon tho' when he gets out the tanks. He is following textbook authoritarianism.

Good post. Follow the law, it is all we have left.

BJ Zamora's avatar

I’m pleased to see the depth of these instructions. Even though I will be participating in my small town protest, these are valid suggestions.

Bart Braverman's avatar

This safety guide is GREAT. I don't quite understand why you would put your phone in Airplane Mode, but then, there's so much about my phone I don't understand. See you Saturday.

EFFICIENCY does not Trump DEMOCRACY!

Frederic Ward's avatar

Thank you for sharing this.

Haliborn's avatar

people must also record, document the protests and share them everywhere so people can see what is possible. You will NOT see it on the corrupt weaklings mainstream media shows. They are all pro Krasnov propaganda now. They are just empty talking heads. No morals, no values, no virtues, no truth.

Joanne Kearney's avatar

Has Closer gotten hacked or shut down? I had a weird redirect when I tried to see their video of the march earlier today. I deactivated FB out of concern but have seen nothing new from them here or elsewhere since then.

Wimster's avatar

How many of these protesters today didn’t vote in November?

Will we take a survey?