Thank you Lori-I read your last article on this topic and didn’t really give it the importance required until now. I’ll take your advice-getting a no frills burner phone for emergency use only with local protests and I appreciate you’re spelling it out in layman’s speak and offering clear & concise guidelines and multiple choices. Thanks for ensuring our privacy and safety!
Wow! This is an extremely thorough and well organized post, which should help protect protestors, journalists and casual bystanders in the increasingly fraught struggle between oppressive governments and resistors today.
It’s probably worth mentioning that Apple can no longer offer ADP (Advanced Data Protection) in the UK to new users, reducing the level of protection available on its devices. And who knows what incursions the Trump regime will make into our digital privacy in the coming weeks and months.
There is actually a 5-stage blueprint for silencing dissent. Putin perfected the blueprint over 2 decades, and then he exported it. Orbán's Hungary is a textbook case. Bukele— who only took power in 2019— has used it to quickly consolidate control. Here in the UK, Stage 4 has already been implemented (hence Apple no longer offering ADP). It's the reason I've prioritised writing about protest.
Trump's conversation with Bukele yesterday indicates that he's positioning for Stages 4 and 5. It's chilling. I've been up since 4 this morning writing about it, so I aim to have more information for you soon.
I’m going to be relying on your wisdom and advice a lot. I’m pretty much a neophyte when it comes to planning how to react and protect during the repression, chaos and violence of a totalitarian takeover and I’ve been winging it. My kids are well-aware of what is happening, but they want to think about it as little as possible, which I understand — and fret about. I’m on US East coast time, so I’m some hours behind you. I should be asleep, but I can’t, not yet.
No wonder you fret Michael — the 'bury your head in the sand' approach is not ideal. I'll do what I can to keep you informed, so you can do what you can to stay ahead of the curve.
I never imagined that during the greatest crisis in (specifically) American history, I'd be stuck at home every single moment.
Maybe THIS is what I need to learn, but I'd prefer to be of service to the world, and not just to one bedridden parent. Maybe America's future is just as uncertain as is mine and my mother's. (And maybe this will keep me alive long enough for my true task to reveal itself in time.)
As ever, you're welcome. But please don't berate yourself for being on the sidelines at this time— I truly believe there's a reason for this. Just as there's a reason why I went through my experience in Zimbabwe (writing 'Your Time Starts NOW'.) It may not become apparent to you for some time, but it will become apparent. And when it does, you'll be grateful you stayed where you are now.
I fully intend to "pay my way" at some point. I owe America that, and so much more. (Though oddly, it's quite often those that have received the most (as poorest Americans) that are now burning her down for the "fun" of it.)
Thank you for your encouragement, Lori. I hope when all this is over we can have a nice talk over coffee somewhere in-between, when everywhere in America is once again safe. (Well, at least safer than now.)
Leave unprotected credit cards home, too - they contain lots of scan-able information. But make sure you have one piece of ID, in case you get injured and need medical help!
My husband thought I was being “Orwellian“ by not attending the March in DC. A person‘s job could have been ended if I was traced to that demonstration. I was thinking of facial recognition being used to identify participants - didn’t even think about my phone!
After reading your article, I think I was justified in being “Orwellian”. I’m can’t even write down the definitive reason why I wouldn’t attend the March. In America. I’m afraid!
Your response is wholly understandable Joan. My next post will address your thoughts in greater depth, so please stay tuned. Meanwhile, may I suggest you engage with the process outlined in my ‘In Uncertain Times, This is Where You Start’ series? It is specifically designed to counteract the fear response. 🙏
No, it's not Mike. But you do run the risk of it being seized if you are detained, and with face/ fingerprint ID it's easier to force than a solid password.
I was wondering why you didn’t list the option of leaving your phone turned off. I would suggest powering down approximately 2 miles from your target protest location. Resist the urge to turn it on until you are more than that distance away after any protest. If you feel the need to take photos, use a one-time use film camera. If you get swept up, this cannot be turned on to view any photos. If you need instant images, use instant film and scan these asap afterwards. Just my 2¢.
You're absolutely right— thank you for the reminder. I actually included that exact recommendation (powering off completely, away from the protest location) in an earlier post, and in hindsight, I should have held the line on it here as well. But the truth is, I was writing 2 posts at once, and researching a third, and my head was spinning by the time I got to that section.
Airplane Mode feels like it should be safe, but it isn’t always. Some phones still leak signals. Some keep GPS or Bluetooth on unless you dig into settings. And as you pointed out, once you power the device back on, you leave a trail. I covered all of this here: https://loricorbetmann.substack.com/p/how-to-protest-safely-in-trumps-america
So yes: if you must bring a smartphone, powering it down completely before you get anywhere near the protest is far safer. Keeping it off until you’re well clear of the area—at least a couple of miles away—is even better.
And your camera tip is perfect. Disposable or instant cameras have no digital backdoor. If you’re documenting, that’s the way.
I’ll update or clarify this in the main post. Thank you again for the nudge.
Chicago blocks all signal along the rolling protest routes to keep drones out but, as I learned one day I was trying to commute to work, it also leaves you without a cell phone at all. I’m not sure it completely prevents what you’re describing though
That’s a really useful observation—thanks Teresa. Blocking signals along protest routes, whether with jammers or more targeted interference, can certainly disrupt drones and prevent livestreaming or communication. But unfortunately, it doesn’t fully protect against surveillance tools like stingrays.
That’s because stingrays don’t rely on an active signal being available—they create one. They pretend to be a mobile tower, so even in an area where the real towers are blocked or overwhelmed, your phone may still reach out and connect to the fake one automatically. That’s the danger: the moment your phone is turned on and searching, it’s vulnerable to being tricked, logged, and linked—whether or not there’s functional coverage.
And even when there's signal blocking in place, it’s often partial or inconsistent—especially in a moving protest. Some parts of a route might still allow devices to connect briefly, and that’s all a stingray needs.
So while blocking signal may seem protective, it’s not a substitute for switching off completely. Your commute story is a great example of how deeply these signal disruptions affect ordinary people—but for protesters, the surveillance risk often remains beneath the surface.
And you just caused me to realize, a person within proximity of a protest but not participating, could be affected and misjudged— legal immigrant hotel worker or a foreign student (city colleges downtown)
Thank you kindly for this excellent & useful information. Right now, I am choosing to believe that every liberal and Democrat is going to be a target. Just as soon as the Tech Bros can use all that DOGE data and find us.
You can do that Carol, but if you’re detained for any reason, access to your phone can be forced if you use biometrics like facial recognition or fingerprint to access it.
Thank you Lori-I read your last article on this topic and didn’t really give it the importance required until now. I’ll take your advice-getting a no frills burner phone for emergency use only with local protests and I appreciate you’re spelling it out in layman’s speak and offering clear & concise guidelines and multiple choices. Thanks for ensuring our privacy and safety!
You're welcome Patricia. There's more to come, of greater importance, so please stay tuned.
Wow! This is an extremely thorough and well organized post, which should help protect protestors, journalists and casual bystanders in the increasingly fraught struggle between oppressive governments and resistors today.
It’s probably worth mentioning that Apple can no longer offer ADP (Advanced Data Protection) in the UK to new users, reducing the level of protection available on its devices. And who knows what incursions the Trump regime will make into our digital privacy in the coming weeks and months.
We all need to be very careful going forward.
Thank you Michael.
There is actually a 5-stage blueprint for silencing dissent. Putin perfected the blueprint over 2 decades, and then he exported it. Orbán's Hungary is a textbook case. Bukele— who only took power in 2019— has used it to quickly consolidate control. Here in the UK, Stage 4 has already been implemented (hence Apple no longer offering ADP). It's the reason I've prioritised writing about protest.
Trump's conversation with Bukele yesterday indicates that he's positioning for Stages 4 and 5. It's chilling. I've been up since 4 this morning writing about it, so I aim to have more information for you soon.
I’m going to be relying on your wisdom and advice a lot. I’m pretty much a neophyte when it comes to planning how to react and protect during the repression, chaos and violence of a totalitarian takeover and I’ve been winging it. My kids are well-aware of what is happening, but they want to think about it as little as possible, which I understand — and fret about. I’m on US East coast time, so I’m some hours behind you. I should be asleep, but I can’t, not yet.
No wonder you fret Michael — the 'bury your head in the sand' approach is not ideal. I'll do what I can to keep you informed, so you can do what you can to stay ahead of the curve.
Lori,
I never imagined that during the greatest crisis in (specifically) American history, I'd be stuck at home every single moment.
Maybe THIS is what I need to learn, but I'd prefer to be of service to the world, and not just to one bedridden parent. Maybe America's future is just as uncertain as is mine and my mother's. (And maybe this will keep me alive long enough for my true task to reveal itself in time.)
Thank you, Lori.
As ever, you're welcome. But please don't berate yourself for being on the sidelines at this time— I truly believe there's a reason for this. Just as there's a reason why I went through my experience in Zimbabwe (writing 'Your Time Starts NOW'.) It may not become apparent to you for some time, but it will become apparent. And when it does, you'll be grateful you stayed where you are now.
Thank you, Lori.
I fully intend to "pay my way" at some point. I owe America that, and so much more. (Though oddly, it's quite often those that have received the most (as poorest Americans) that are now burning her down for the "fun" of it.)
Thank you for your encouragement, Lori. I hope when all this is over we can have a nice talk over coffee somewhere in-between, when everywhere in America is once again safe. (Well, at least safer than now.)
Thank you so very much!
Leave unprotected credit cards home, too - they contain lots of scan-able information. But make sure you have one piece of ID, in case you get injured and need medical help!
Good points Judith— I addressed them in my 'How to Protest Safely in Trump's America' series.
Is it time to buy stock in burner phone companies? Or would it be smarter to stockpile burner phones because republicans will ban them in the US?
Insightful questions Patti— it could indeed become more difficult to buy a burner in the future.
My husband thought I was being “Orwellian“ by not attending the March in DC. A person‘s job could have been ended if I was traced to that demonstration. I was thinking of facial recognition being used to identify participants - didn’t even think about my phone!
After reading your article, I think I was justified in being “Orwellian”. I’m can’t even write down the definitive reason why I wouldn’t attend the March. In America. I’m afraid!
Your response is wholly understandable Joan. My next post will address your thoughts in greater depth, so please stay tuned. Meanwhile, may I suggest you engage with the process outlined in my ‘In Uncertain Times, This is Where You Start’ series? It is specifically designed to counteract the fear response. 🙏
Will do
Eye-opening, and perhaps, life-saving.
Thank you.
FANTASTIC!!! A truly wonderful and helpful guide to maintaining ability to protest peacefully. Thank you for it.
You're very welcome Susan.
You are absolutely correct! Never underestimate the power of “the deep state” that IS the trump administration!
A must read if you plan to join a protest
Is your phone traceable if it is powered off?
No, it's not Mike. But you do run the risk of it being seized if you are detained, and with face/ fingerprint ID it's easier to force than a solid password.
I've given more details about how you need to prepare your phone if you intend to have it with you in this post: https://loricorbetmann.substack.com/p/how-to-protest-safely-in-trumps-america
Thanks…..
I was wondering why you didn’t list the option of leaving your phone turned off. I would suggest powering down approximately 2 miles from your target protest location. Resist the urge to turn it on until you are more than that distance away after any protest. If you feel the need to take photos, use a one-time use film camera. If you get swept up, this cannot be turned on to view any photos. If you need instant images, use instant film and scan these asap afterwards. Just my 2¢.
You're absolutely right— thank you for the reminder. I actually included that exact recommendation (powering off completely, away from the protest location) in an earlier post, and in hindsight, I should have held the line on it here as well. But the truth is, I was writing 2 posts at once, and researching a third, and my head was spinning by the time I got to that section.
Airplane Mode feels like it should be safe, but it isn’t always. Some phones still leak signals. Some keep GPS or Bluetooth on unless you dig into settings. And as you pointed out, once you power the device back on, you leave a trail. I covered all of this here: https://loricorbetmann.substack.com/p/how-to-protest-safely-in-trumps-america
So yes: if you must bring a smartphone, powering it down completely before you get anywhere near the protest is far safer. Keeping it off until you’re well clear of the area—at least a couple of miles away—is even better.
And your camera tip is perfect. Disposable or instant cameras have no digital backdoor. If you’re documenting, that’s the way.
I’ll update or clarify this in the main post. Thank you again for the nudge.
I almost forgot, maybe you should say something about “Smart Watches” too. They’re as bad as any other tracker.
We’re totally on the same page Dale- that’s my next post on the subject!
Chicago blocks all signal along the rolling protest routes to keep drones out but, as I learned one day I was trying to commute to work, it also leaves you without a cell phone at all. I’m not sure it completely prevents what you’re describing though
That’s a really useful observation—thanks Teresa. Blocking signals along protest routes, whether with jammers or more targeted interference, can certainly disrupt drones and prevent livestreaming or communication. But unfortunately, it doesn’t fully protect against surveillance tools like stingrays.
That’s because stingrays don’t rely on an active signal being available—they create one. They pretend to be a mobile tower, so even in an area where the real towers are blocked or overwhelmed, your phone may still reach out and connect to the fake one automatically. That’s the danger: the moment your phone is turned on and searching, it’s vulnerable to being tricked, logged, and linked—whether or not there’s functional coverage.
And even when there's signal blocking in place, it’s often partial or inconsistent—especially in a moving protest. Some parts of a route might still allow devices to connect briefly, and that’s all a stingray needs.
So while blocking signal may seem protective, it’s not a substitute for switching off completely. Your commute story is a great example of how deeply these signal disruptions affect ordinary people—but for protesters, the surveillance risk often remains beneath the surface.
And you just caused me to realize, a person within proximity of a protest but not participating, could be affected and misjudged— legal immigrant hotel worker or a foreign student (city colleges downtown)
Thank you kindly for this excellent & useful information. Right now, I am choosing to believe that every liberal and Democrat is going to be a target. Just as soon as the Tech Bros can use all that DOGE data and find us.
Unfortunately, that's a very wise approach Exregulator. "Hope for the best but prepare for the worst" is my mantra.
Honestly if you are not prepared to be identified as being at a protest you probably shouldn’t go to a protest.
Great information
I’m glad you find it helpful Kenneth.
What about just leaving your phone turned off?
You can do that Carol, but if you’re detained for any reason, access to your phone can be forced if you use biometrics like facial recognition or fingerprint to access it.
Of course! Thanks.