When Protesting Leave Your Phone At Home

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

"We're protesting the administration, which is a lot scarier [than previous protests I've attended], because we've seen how Trump can lash out," Sabatine said. For this past protest, "I [brought] a burner phone which doesn't have my Touch ID or my face scan."

Posted by retort at 10:15 AM | 9 COMMENTS | permalink

Comments

Note to all: Assume that the absolute worst about personal privacy invasion -- via phone or facial recognition technology, from every local, state, and federal law enforcement agency, not to mention every private property owner -- has already taken place and is getting worse all the time. Fret and rage all you want about it.

Then cast all your worries and assumptions aside, because all four of those entities are already way ahead of you.

#1 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2025-06-17 10:45 AM

Yes, as of 2024 police can force you to use your fingerprint or facial recognition to open your devices, and allegedly are prohibited from forcing you to enter any codes.

I do not believe that they obey any citizen privacy laws.

#2 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2025-06-17 12:40 PM

Agreed.

And if law enforcement is wearing a mask "for protection" you should too.

Personally I'd probably wear a helmet and a bullet proof vest if they are wearing tactical gear and shooting "non lethal" weapons at you.

A gas mask might be handy too.

And water. Lots of water.

And a first aid kit.

Trail snacks.

And go with friends if you can.

Probably other stuff I am forgetting too. Depending on how violent you expect it to be. You might need a lawyer on standby.

#3 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-06-17 12:43 PM

Smart advice. If you are going to loot and riot leaving your phone makes it more difficult to be tracked.

#4 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-06-17 01:24 PM

If you are going to loot and riot leaving your phone makes it more difficult to be tracked.

#4 | POSTED BY BELLRINGER

Especially when you involved in an insurrection.

And don't be a dummy and bury in your back yard the police badge you stole off the police while beating on him.

But it is nice to know that the President will still pardon you even if you are a dummy as long as you kiss his ample arse loud and long enough.

#5 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-06-17 01:33 PM

Smart advice. If you are going to loot and riot leaving your phone makes it more difficult to be tracked.
#4 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-06-17 01:24 PM

"I'm sorry, aunt Lydia."

#6 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2025-06-17 01:37 PM

Smart advice. If you are going to loot and riot leaving your phone makes it more difficult to be tracked.
#4 | Posted by BellRinger

Is that how so many Jan 6 American hating terrorists were caught?

#7 | Posted by johnny_hotsauce at 2025-06-17 04:24 PM

police can force you to use your fingerprint or facial recognition to open your devices, and allegedly are prohibited from forcing you to enter any codes.
#2 | Posted by redlightrobot

Recent versions of Android has a lockdown mode that will temporarily disable biometrics and require that pin be entered to unlock. On mine I just hold power and volume up and presents a menu where I can enable it.
Anytime i have to deal with law enforcement I open the background video recorder app which, unlike the native camera app, continues to record when screen is off and then enable lockdown mode.

#8 | Posted by johnny_hotsauce at 2025-06-17 04:32 PM

"If you are going to deny constitutional rights and terrorize neighborhoods wearing a mask makes it more difficult to be tracked."

#9 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-06-17 04:56 PM

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