New Protest Tactics in Hong Kong
Part of our work training and advising activists and journalists in Security First involves spending lots of time analysing global movements to see what we can learn and improve in Umbrella App.
The recent protests in Hong Kong have been one of the most remarkable for the amount of new innovative tactics used by protests. We’ve been keeping a running Twitter thread here but also wanted to have them in one single place so that it is easier for others to re-use.
Using Telegram to coordinate protests.(Note: we are not massive fans of Telegram security for various reasons such as these and these but do understand that it solves a number of problems that alternatives like Signal do not. For example public group messaging.
Sophisticated coordination and communication of crowds using hand signals.
Using Apple Airdrop to quickly and anonymously pass information to others. (Here’s how)
Disabling Apple Face ID when arrested. (Here’s how)
Making it harder for authorities to monitor, respond and control protests by adopting the Bruce Lee tactic of “Be Water.” Moving quickly to new spaces faster than police can react.
Use of water, traffic cones and woks to reduce the effects of CS/Tear gas
Using umbrellas to block camera photos, CCTV and facial recognition
Using and swapping tickets bought with cash and changing clothing to make it harder to identify protesters
Dismantling a “smart lamppost” because of risks it was being used for surveillance technology
Using various non regular communication apps to spread information about protests. (Warning: this may be likely to be insecure)
Using symbols to warn protesters of the current status of an area
Using laser lights to blind cameras and frustrate police
Got any more tactics that you are seeing? Drop us a mail at info@secfirst.org or DM us on Twitter.
For activists, journalists and people at risk, we have launched Umbrella, a free, open source app to help learn about and manage physical and digital security on the move. It has best practice advice on topics such as safely attending a protest (including some of the tactics above), dealing with arrest, surveillance, travelling through borders, sending a secure message — and much more.
You can find out more about Umbrella on our website. download it from the Apple Store, Google Play Store, Amazon or F-Droid. We are also currently testing a web version of the app here.
Umbrella is currently available in Chinese Traditional thanks to the work of the amazing volunteers from the Localization Lab in Taiwan. If you are interested in localising it for people on the ground in Hong Kong or have ideas for new content — please sign up to our translation platform, read our content guide or email us.
If you can spare a few minutes, we would love your feedback on how to make it better.
We also regularly train journalists and human rights defenders ranging from some of the largest NGOs in the world, to individuals activists — on digital, physical and source protection security issues. For more information check out our website at www.secfirst.org.
