Organizing in a Surveillance Era: Expert Tips for Safety

Understanding the Landscape of Surveillance

Rarely in modern US history have so many Americans opposed the actions of the federal government, and with that pushback comes a pressing need for effective grassroots organizing. In an age where surveillance powers are wielded by the state and the private sector, the challenge is balancing activism with personal safety.

As Americans mobilize to protect immigrants or protest police brutality, they navigate a landscape littered with spying technologies. Hence, how do individuals assemble movements without exposing themselves to potential repercussions? This article synthesizes critical insights from cybersecurity experts, activists, and grassroots organizers concerning safe collective action in a surveillant society.

Why Threat Modeling is Crucial

The initial step to secure organizing is known as “threat modeling.” This involves recognizing potential surveillance threats and deciding what sensitive information must remain confidential. For instance, knowing when and where to keep a meeting secret (say in-person or planning a rally) is pivotal.

“If you treat all information as sacred, you'll hinder your efforts. We need strategic openness,” says Eva Galperin, cybersecurity director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Effective Communication in Secure Spaces

Every expert I spoke with emphasized the importance of encrypted communications, with Signal being a central recommendation. Signal's end-to-end encryption ensures that conversations remain private. However, deploying disappearing messages can further enhance security by limiting data retention. For larger groups, keeping sensitive information to smaller circles—ideally under fifty members—is crucial.

Yet, organizing often necessitates collaboration on various platforms, from Google Docs to Slack. While attractive for their accessibility, these platforms pose significant privacy risks. As collaborative tools, they can track user data and share it with authorities if required. This leads to the question: how can we balance accessibility and security?

Choosing the Right Platforms

For those aiming for privacy without breaking the bank, exploring options like Proton Mail or Tresorit can provide a secure framework. Both services offer end-to-end encryption and make data less accessible to prying eyes.

Interestingly, some organizations are choosing self-hosted options like Nextcloud for data management—less susceptible to legal compliance pulls from large tech firms. However, it's important to underscore that self-hosting requires significant technical expertise and commitment to maintain.

In-Person Meetings: An Underestimated Resource

For many grassroots activists, digital organizing is essential. But let's not forget the power of face-to-face meetings. As advocates suggest, they can often be safer and more productive than online interactions, provided one conducts the requisite threat assessment.

“There's value in physical gatherings that cannot be replaced. Yet we must remain vigilant about surveillance,” states a seasoned activist.

Building Your Threat Model

Awareness of potential threats is paramount. Each activist should assess their unique context and those involved in the organization, ensuring that everyone understands that participating in movements counter to institutional interests carries inherent risks. “Think through the risks, build your own model, and remember that action is essential,” urges Taylor Fairbank of Distribute Aid.

Final Thoughts on Organizing Responsibly

The implications of organizing in the age of surveillance are complex and fraught with risks. Yet, with informed planning and careful choice of platforms, it is indeed feasible to create impactful change while minimizing exposure and risks. The balance of collective action and personal safety is a delicate dance, but one worth mastering.