Being in a media space, even simply being locally connected, like blog bloggers, it is getting dangerous online. Hate groups like the Proud Boys are doxing people. Most of the platforms we operate on are rented and the landlords are the oligarchs that are illegally taking over the country. More and more, people are jumping off these platforms, and looking for places to communicate and collaborate, away from prying eyes and selling of personal information. A lot of blog bloggers have left platforms like Instagram, Facebook , WhatsApp and Threads. Where are they headed? Mainly Bluesky. I will admit it will be difficult to fully disengage from these platforms. It is hard to follow and learn about local happenings without Facebook and Instagram. I have diminished my presence and have halted any new postings. As my time permits, I will be removing all older content.
If you are going to be engaged in any protests, acts of resistance or simply just keeping updated on what is happening, you will want to look at your entire digital footprint. If you are a public employee, and you want to report illegal activity or out some unethical doings and you want to remain anonymous, it has become harder than ever. We have become aware of this really good journalists digital checklist.
Take a look, it is a fire house, no doubt. We suggest you examine it carefully and do as many of the steps and suggestions that are in there.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation also has some good resources to peruse. Again, it is a LOT. Don’t try to take all the suggested actions at once, but consider doing as many as possible.
It goes without saying, some us of will need to remain on hate platforms, like X, for no other reason than to keep tabs on what half of Americans continues to get fed, further growing the divides. However, you will want to engage in these platforms as safely as possible.
Ahh, the salad days of twitter, when it was fun being. there!