Practical Defenses Against Technofascism - Micah Lee
Note: The below TL;DR was created by Copilot
TL;DR: Micah Lee warns of rising technofascism in the U.S., especially under Trump, and offers practical digital security strategies to resist surveillance and repression. Key defenses include using Lockdown Mode, enabling encrypted backups, powering off devices during risky moments, and minimizing retained data.
Here’s a breakdown of the article’s core points:
🛡️ What Is Technofascism?
- Technofascism is described as fascism empowered by modern technology.
- The Trump administration is accused of turning imperialist tactics inward, targeting Americans with surveillance and repression.
- Major tech companies and billionaires are criticized for enabling or supporting these efforts.
🔍 Threats to Watch For
- Mercenary spyware like Pegasus and Graphite is increasingly used by U.S. agencies like ICE to target journalists, activists, and immigrants.
- Device searches are becoming more common, with tools like Cellebrite used to extract data from phones.
- Cell-site simulators (IMSI catchers) are deployed to intercept mobile communications.
🧰 Practical Defenses
- Always install software updates to patch vulnerabilities exploited by spyware.
- Enable Lockdown Mode on iPhones and Macs to reduce attack surfaces.
- Use Advanced Data Protection for iCloud and Android’s Advanced Protection to encrypt backups.
- Power off devices when not in use or before risky encounters (e.g., protests, border crossings).
- Use strong passcodes and disable biometric unlocking to prevent forced access.
- Minimize data retention—use disappearing messages and delete sensitive content.
- Consider secondary devices for travel or activism, and reset them between uses.
🧠 Cultural Shift
- Lee emphasizes building a collective security culture—not just individual precautions.
- Encourages communities to share practices and support each other in resisting digital authoritarianism.
