In light of recent social movements and protests happening around the country, it's important to be informed on how to prepare yourself and your phone for peaceful demonstrations. LAist has put together a comprehensive guide on simple steps to take before hitting the streets to ensure your safety and connectivity during a protest.

Protecting Your Data and Privacy


One of the most important elements to consider before attending a protest is safeguarding your digital information. This includes personal data, sensitive messages, and any content that could be compromised if your phone is lost or stolen.


Consider enabling encryption on your device to secure your data from unauthorized access. Apps such as Signal or WhatsApp offer end-to-end encryption for secure communication, protecting your messages from being intercepted.



Secure Your Lock Screen


Setting up a secure lock screen on your phone is crucial to prevent unauthorized access in case it is misplaced during a protest. Use a strong PIN, password, or biometric authentication like fingerprint or facial recognition to keep your device secure.


Additionally, disabling notifications on your lock screen can prevent sensitive information from being displayed publicly, maintaining your privacy even if your phone is out of your possession momentarily.



Backup Your Data


Prior to attending a protest, it's essential to back up your data to avoid losing important information in case your phone is damaged or confiscated. Utilize cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox to securely store your photos, contacts, and documents.


You can also regularly sync your phone with your computer to create a local backup and ensure that your data is accessible even if your device is not in your possession.



Update Your Apps and Operating System


Ensuring that your phone's apps and operating system are up to date is vital for security and performance reasons. Developers frequently release updates that patch vulnerabilities and enhance device functionality, so make sure to check for and install any available updates before heading to a protest.


By keeping your apps and operating system current, you can mitigate the risk of malware infections, security breaches, and other potential issues that could compromise your device during a protest.



Enable Find My Phone Feature


Activating the "Find My Phone" feature on your device can be a lifesaver in case your phone is lost or stolen during a protest. This functionality allows you to track the location of your device, remotely lock it, or even wipe your data to prevent unauthorized access.


Whether you misplace your phone in a crowd or it is taken from you, having the ability to locate and secure your device can provide peace of mind and protect your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.



Limit Location Sharing


While attending a protest, it's advisable to restrict location sharing on your phone to minimize the risk of your movements being tracked or monitored without your consent. Applications and services that utilize your location data should be used judiciously to prevent potential privacy breaches.


You can adjust location settings in your phone's privacy options to limit which apps have access to your location information, ensuring that you maintain control over when and how your whereabouts are shared.



Prepare Emergency Contact Information


Having emergency contact information readily available on your phone can be critical in case of an unforeseen situation during a protest. Create a contact entry labeled "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) with contact details for someone you trust, such as a family member or friend.


In the event that you are injured, detained, or need assistance, emergency responders or Good Samaritans can quickly locate your emergency contact information on your phone and notify your designated contact person about your situation.



Carry a Portable Charger


During a protest, you may find yourself using your phone more than usual for communication, recording videos, or accessing information. To ensure that your device remains powered throughout the demonstration, consider bringing a portable charger or power bank with you.


A fully charged portable charger can provide extra battery life for your phone when outlets are not readily available, allowing you to stay connected and informed without worrying about running out of power at a critical moment.

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