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ZDNET's key takeaways
- Smartphones enable protesters to combat propaganda and misinformation.
- Mobile devices, however, can also be used against you.
- Biometrics are convenient, but passwords or passcodes could offer more protection
Many of us would have preferred a few slow news days easing into 2026, but the year is off to a particularly volatile start. With widespread protests erupting across the globe, concerns turn once again to how we can demonstrate safely in a surveillance-heavy world.
Also: Biometrics vs. passcodes: What lawyers say if you're worried about warrantless phone searches
You have the right to protest, but you also have the responsibility to stay as safe and secure as possible while attending events and marches. And with a smartphone in your pocket, it is more important than ever to ensure your mobile device doesn't pose a risk to your privacy, security, or safety.
Please note that our guide does not constitute legal advice; it provides general tips and information that may be beneficial to you.
Smartphones: a double-edged sword
Your mobile device is a powerful tool at lawful protests. You can use one to communicate and coordinate with other protesters, stay up to date on rapidly changing plans and circumstances, and be made aware of any threats to your safety.
Just as tourist Harry Jackson became an “accidental journalist” by entering the thick of the action and vlogging protests in Nepal, smartphones can be used to document protests in real-time, and footage can be used to counter the misinformation and propaganda that have become part of our daily lives.
Also: Want real phone privacy? This $700 handset promises it, plus a removable battery
However, these devices can also be used against you. If law enforcement is able to access your device, they may scrutinize everything from your email to your social media, including your friends, family, posts, private messages, and more — removing the anonymity that often protects protesters.
This isn't the only risk factor. Smartphones are also trackable via Wi-Fi and cellular connections, regardless of whether you choose to turn off GPS. As noted by the EFF, it is also possible that law enforcement could use International Mobile Subscriber Identifiers (IMSI) catchers, also known as Stingrays, to simulate cellphone towers and prompt our devices to connect to them, potentially opening up a pathway for communication interception.
Should I leave my smartphone at home, then?
Yes, the simplest, safest option — potentially — is to leave your phone at home. However, this is not advice that is likely to be followed.
While leaving your smartphone at home means that you can't be easily tracked or forced to hand over your information, it also leaves you unable to document a protest and to connect with other protesters. Not having your mobile device may also mean that you aren't aware of activities that could impact your physical safety.
Another option is to use a burner phone, a basic, inexpensive handheld device that is not connected to any of your personal apps or accounts. But if this doesn't appeal to you, either, then check out our other tips below.
Top tips for staying safe
1. Temporarily disable biometrics
Biometric access features, such as scanning your face or fingerprint to unlock your smartphone, should be temporarily disabled. If law enforcement requests that you hand over your device and unlock it for them at a protest, the legality of this request is a gray area, as it involves what can be demanded of you without a warrant.
ZDNET has discussed this issue with legal experts, and the difficulty stems from biometric access versus passwords or passcodes, and how they apply to “Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.” While laws vary at the state and federal levels, some legal experts consider passcodes to be information obtained from our minds and, therefore, comparable to asking someone to self-incriminate if they reveal them to the police.
Also: The best rugged phones in 2026: Tested by experts
However, biometrics — such as a fingerprint — may be considered differently, as you are not required to “speak” it, which could mean that you can be compelled to provide it without having your rights violated.
There's no clear-cut answer here, and we are not legal experts. However, for safety reasons, we recommend using passcode access only when attending a protest, as this may provide you with additional protection.
2. Beware of external biometrics outside of your phone
It is possible that biometric technologies are used to monitor and identify protesters, including facial recognition on street cameras or body-worn cameras. Keep this in mind when deciding what to wear to a protest.
3. Use encrypted apps
Signal is widely recommended as a secure messaging service. It provides end-to-end encryption for your phone calls and messaging, so we recommend using this app during protests instead of sending simple text messages or messaging over social media. In Signal settings, ensure you have opted for your messages to automatically disappear after a time.
Also: What is Signal? 7 features that make it a go-to app for private, secure messaging
4. Sign out of personal apps
It is a hassle, true, but in the interests of reducing risk, you should sign out of any apps that, if accessed, could be detrimental if you are using your day-to-day device. These include social media apps and email accounts.
5. Leave your phone locked
When you are attending a protest, keep your phone locked down. If your mobile device is confiscated or stolen, when it is unlocked, you are exposing your information and communication to other parties. You also don't need to unlock your device when taking photos or videos, but if you are running a livestream, for example, your smartphone may need to be unlocked — so stay aware of who is around you.
Also: 11 ways to delete or hide yourself from the internet – and protect your privacy
As a side note, if you are livestreaming, please ensure those around you consent to being filmed, as law enforcement will likely be monitoring this content and social media posts.
6. Consider using airplane mode
If you must bring your day-to-day smartphone with you, enable airplane mode whenever possible. Airplane mode takes you offline by cutting off radio signals. It's not ideal, but it may reduce the risk of you being tracked or identified. However, keep in mind you will need to turn off airplane mode when you want to check your messages.
7. Be careful of what you share online
There's a difference between leveraging your right to protest and oversharing. You should be mindful of the photos and videos you post online, especially if they are shared on public forums and could put other protesters at risk.
Also: Even more ways to lock down your phone's security
While you may be comfortable with public images that connect you to a protest, others may not be, and so, for the sake of other attendees, be careful of what you share — and where.
