do not bring your phone or use a credit card or travel card tied to your identity en route to a protest or action. some alternatives:
- don’t bring them, use cash (ideal)
- don’t bring them, get a lift with trusted friends (ideal)
- leave your phone/cards with a trusted friend who will not be at the planned action, pick them up afterwards
- leave your phone/cards in a secure locker at a bus or train station, pick them up afterwards
- prepaid burner phone if you absolutely need one on your person for some reason (you probably don’t!)
btw you should also intentionally take the time to learn some basic pre-smartphone skills
- learn to read a paper map. it’s not hard but it does take a little practice if you’ve never done it. they work by dividing an area into a grid, so e.g. if you know you’re on Brook Street you can look it up in an index, see that it’s on square G19, and find the part you need.
- get a cheap watch!!! it really makes all the difference in the world to know you can keep track of time without being tied to a phone. even the most basic digital watches let you set timers and alarms
- memorise two emergency contact numbers – a family member, friend, or support organisation who could pick you up or arrange support if you’re detained, lost, hurt, etc.
- carry enough cash to get you across town if you need it
this isn’t just for protests, this is for everyday! now you don’t need to be worried about losing or breaking your phone, getting it stolen, running out of battery, etc. these four things will free you.