What forms of digital resistance are emerging among queer users under surveillance?
There is no one single answer to this question, as queer users are constantly developing new ways to resist surveillance online.
Some common strategies include using encrypted messaging apps, creating fake social media accounts for privacy, avoiding government websites, and using VPNs. These tactics help protect queer individuals from being tracked and targeted by governments that may be hostile towards their identity.
One example of digital resistance among queer users is the use of end-to-end encryption in messaging platforms like Signal or WhatsApp. This means that messages sent between users are scrambled so that even the service providers cannot read them. It also prevents hackers from accessing personal data, which could include sensitive health information or private correspondence about sexuality.
Another strategy for resisting surveillance is creating multiple social media profiles with different names or pictures. This allows queer users to maintain anonymity while still connecting with friends and partners. By using a fake name or profile picture, they can keep their real identity hidden from prying eyes. Some queer users also choose to delete all traces of their online presence when they leave certain locations or stop using a particular app.
Queer users also avoid government websites that might be used to collect data on their identities or behaviors.
If a queer individual is traveling internationally and needs to renew their passport, they may opt to do it through a private agency rather than using the government website. This helps reduce the risk of having their information collected and stored in databases that could later be accessed by law enforcement or intelligence agencies.
Some queer users use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to hide their IP addresses and location while browsing the internet. A VPN routes traffic through another server, making it appear as though the user is located elsewhere in the world. This can help protect against snooping and targeted advertising based on one's location.
Not all VPNs are created equal - some are more secure than others and should be carefully researched before choosing one.
Digital resistance among queer users under surveillance is an ongoing struggle that requires constant vigilance and creativity. By staying aware of potential risks and finding ways to mitigate them, queer individuals can continue to express themselves freely online without fear of reprisal.
What forms of digital resistance are emerging among queer users under surveillance?
While social media platforms have become important for connecting individuals with similar interests and sharing information about queer communities, they can also be sites of surveillance and control by state actors and nonstate entities (e. g. , advertisers). As a result, some queer people may choose to avoid certain online spaces to protect their privacy or safety.