How Governments Spy On Protestors—And How To Avoid It | Incognito Mode | WIRED

About this Video

• Video Title: How Governments Spy On Protestors—And How To Avoid It | Incognito Mode | WIRED
• Channel: WIRED
• Speakers: The transcript doesn't explicitly name the speakers. There are several voices, including newsreaders and multiple interview subjects.
• Duration: 00:24:43

Introduction

This WIRED "Incognito Mode" video explores how governments utilize various technologies to surveil protestors. It details the methods employed, ranging from facial recognition and social media monitoring to IMSI catchers and data broker information, and offers practical advice on minimizing personal data exposure during protests.

Key Takeaways

• Facial recognition technology: Law enforcement increasingly uses facial recognition apps like Clearview AI to identify protestors from online photos, expanding surveillance beyond those with police records.
• Social media surveillance: Authorities utilize social media data to identify protestors, track protest organization, and analyze opinions on specific issues. Data aggregation services further amplify this capability.
• IMSI catchers ("StingRays"): These devices impersonate cell towers, collecting location data and potentially intercepting communications from phones within range. Their secretive use raises significant privacy concerns.
• Geofence warrants: These warrants allow law enforcement to obtain location data from tech companies for all devices within a specific area and time, enabling broad identification of individuals.
• Data brokers: Companies collect and sell personal data from various sources, building detailed profiles usable by law enforcement in investigations, raising concerns about data aggregation and lack of regulation.
• License plate readers (ALPR): These systems capture license plate information, providing location data linked to vehicles; they can also capture other visible information, expanding surveillance capabilities.
• Drones: Law enforcement uses drones for aerial surveillance, equipped with advanced cameras and potential geolocation capabilities. The cost-effectiveness and ease of deployment amplify concerns.
• Emerging technologies: Gait recognition and emotional detection technologies are emerging, adding new dimensions to surveillance capabilities and raising ethical and accuracy concerns.
• Personal protection: The video suggests minimizing data exposure by leaving phones at home or using Faraday bags, disabling biometrics, adjusting social media privacy settings, using encrypted messaging, and wearing masks. It also stresses awareness of individual risk factors.