Techno-Activists: Support the Oppressed!

Digital technology has been a valuable leg-up for protesters and activists around the globe, who use text messages to organize in real time and — more recently — Twitter (click here for a guide on using the service for activism) to send dispatches from areas of social or political unrest. But oppressive regimes also use technology for surveillance and for suppressing free speech.

In the interest of helping activists, the Electronic Frontier Foundation has released a brief guide to get them up to speed. "Surveillance Self-Defense International" is subtitled "6 Ideas for Those Needing Defensive Technology to Protect Free Speech from Authoritarian Regimes and 4 Ways the Rest of Us Can Help."

The list is concise and the downloadable guide is a breezy seven pages, but offers links to several other services and organizations that are aligned with EFF's philosophy. For example, the section on choosing less-risky communication channels suggests using web-based email providers that support https encryption, and then offer a link to Riseup.net.

Perhaps EFF was inspired by Western assistance of Iranian protesters in the wake of the disputed election, or maybe the timing was just a coincidence, but the organization emphasizes the importance of those not under the boot of oppressive regimes to get involved and help those who are. Says EFF's international outreach coordinator Danny O'Brien in a press release:

"Surveillance Self-Defense International isn't just about what to do when facing down surveillance and censorship in your own country, it's about what ordinary Net users can do to help protect others. Whoever you are, and wherever you are, you can help keep the Net safe for free speech."

With the right equipment, and a well-organized plan, protesters can turn a corner and avoid that blast of tear gas before it's too late.

Image courtesy of the Electronic Frontier Foundation.