As a Bitcoiner, being aware of all the ways technology is used to spy on you is paramount to good opsec.
This is an opinion editorial by Anthony Feliciano, a Bitcoin event organizer and consultant.
It’s no secret we live in a mass surveillance state. The technology created to help us be a more energy efficient and productive society, is now our greatest threat to our privacy and self-sovereign well-being. Take a look around — from smart refrigerators to smart light bulbs, nanny cams to smart T.V.s, computers, Ring, Google Nest, Alexa and our smartphones are all capable of being used to spy on us, and that's just the list of equipment that is doing it before you step outside of your house. They’re all equipped with cameras, sensors and microphones that watch and monitor our every move, emotion and action. Many people will point to the Patriot Act, when the U.S. government began to spy over its own citizen’s communications, under the guise of “national security.”
This will be a two article series, starting with the piece that explains “why” — why you should begin to formulate an opt out plan when it comes to your smartphone, even more so if you are a Bitcoiner. The “why” doesn't necessarily apply to only Bitcoiners but for anyone looking to regain their privacy, like journalists and/or people who live in oppressive regimes.
The second part will be the “how” — I'll provide you with tools and options to help you begin your opt out journey while still being able to use Bitcoin.
I'll start with cellular providers and talk about some of the tools at their disposal that are currently employed. Some of these terms and tools you probably have heard before, but might not be sure how they work. The important takeaway to remember is that the information captured from these tools can be subject to subpoena by lawyers or government agencies.
AT&T Secure Family and the Google Play App are two examples — “Find your family, control your child’s screen time and manage their phone use.”
*Note: I will be discussing two projects to help Android users with their opt out plan. Sorry Apple users, you will have to wait until it gets easier to jailbreak an iPhone.
*Note: Not even turning off your GPS is foolproof. That is because our smartphones are still connected to nearby towers via the radio inside them. This won't pinpoint your exact location but just enough to provide the necessary information as to your whereabouts at a particular time.
To begin, head over to CalyxOS or GrapheneOS to do some light reading. These two projects are similar in nature and offer a great alternative mobile OS that is free of Google services and all the tracking included. Their respective websites have a list of compatible devices and installation guides. The two projects have grown the most in popularity amongst Bitcoiners. I will post links to apps I use for privacy as well as Bitcoin and LN apps that you can use in conjunction with a de-Googled phone, so you can still use Bitcoin without all the spying and tracking.
Privacy is a right, we all should remember, and not take it lightly or sacrifice it for convenience. Nothing is 100% secure and private, unless you are planning to go live off the grid in the mountains. If your wife isn't thrilled about that idea, at least begin to explore an opt out plan when it comes to communications and Bitcoin.
This is a guest post by Anthony Feliciano. Opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.