February 19, 2026 Digital Rights Social - Revision history

Erin at 14:57, 10 April 2026

2026-04-10T14:57:12Z

Sandy at 11:13, 10 April 2026

2026-04-10T11:13:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:13, 10 April 2026
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	== Notes ==		== Notes ==
			<big>The following [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/what-is-secure-communications What is Secure Communications] primer was created with these notes, with some other information added.</big>

	'''What the community is reading right now...'''		'''What the community is reading right now...'''

Erin: /* Notes */

2026-03-02T12:45:45Z

Notes

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:45, 2 March 2026
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	* [https://quiz.shira.app/ Shira Quiz] from [https://wearehorizontal.org/index Horizontal], developers of [https://shira.app/ Shira App]		* [https://quiz.shira.app/ Shira Quiz] from [https://wearehorizontal.org/index Horizontal], developers of [https://shira.app/ Shira App]
	** An educational and very practical resource to avoid phishing and communicate securely.		** An educational and very practical resource to avoid phishing and communicate securely.
			* [https://micahflee.com/using-signal-groups-for-activism/ Using Signal groups for activism] - Micah Lee

	'''What are some of the biggest security challenges or concerns you have while communicating within your networks? Are there any lingering questions about secure comms that you would like to share?'''		'''What are some of the biggest security challenges or concerns you have while communicating within your networks? Are there any lingering questions about secure comms that you would like to share?'''

Erin at 15:21, 20 February 2026

2026-02-20T15:21:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:21, 20 February 2026
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	* [https://www.resistandunsubscribe.com/ Resist and Unsubscribe]		* [https://www.resistandunsubscribe.com/ Resist and Unsubscribe]
	* [https://fedi.the-counterforce.org/ Fediverse Punk Month]		* [https://fedi.the-counterforce.org/ Fediverse Punk Month]




	'''Because a tool in itself is not a solution to securing comms...Which practices have you found most valuable to improving security and safety within your network communications?'''		'''Because a tool in itself is not a solution to securing comms...Which practices have you found most valuable to improving security and safety within your network communications?'''

			* This is a good question, I think one of the main things is '''really leaning into message safety and also being sure to not talk about specific things on platforms or certain messaging apps that can be traced'''. Another thing is '''setting times on how long a message will show''' specifically in spaces like signal. That's what we do in some of the groups that I'm in and specifically with our work at Blacksky.
			* One small practice I have found really helpful in one larger Signal group I am in that I haven't seen in other larger groups I've been in... The group is invite-only and the admins not only '''first introduce any new recommendations''' '''to the group''' within the chat, but they '''require that more than one person within the existing group approve of the new add'''.
			* In my case, in my trainings and other engagements, I try to '''find the balance between security and usability''', because in many communities people don't necessarily are up to adopting more complicated tools even when that means more security. So that's the tricky part. '''We usually need to find weird balances ensuring the security of this at risk communities but in a way that makes sense to them'''.
			* For me, the most important practice (very low tech, I know) is '''starting by understanding how target communities communicate among themselves already, so you can build strategies and improve processes from there, instead of imposing new tools and processes'''. Once this is overcome, it's way easier to create more awareness, conduct trainings, introduce new concepts, and in some cases new tools, but the start would be to meeting people where they are and going from there.
			* '''Skill-sharing and internal mentoring for new members''' help to include our less technical members and make the whole network stronger.
			* '''Create an environment where no question is stupid''', and is OK to say 'I dont know how to do that'.
			* TBH lately I've had to '''warn and then block persons who are careless with critiques over chats''' like WhatsApp. Reverting to email (not a great replacement) or in-person (limited).
			* Even in "secure comm" channels, I try to get people to consider:
			** '''Is it necessary to share this much information?'''
			** '''Does the information I share help those who would choose to carry out nefarious actions?'''
			* In my case, I also have to '''balance usability and security'''. Lately, I have been '''focusing on WhatsApp’s security settings''', especially in the context of searching mothers of missing people. Many of them are '''older adults''' who travel to '''areas with very limited mobile data coverage''' (and dangerous places). '''In these situations, WhatsApp’s lower cost represent a significant advantage'''. And trying in small steps moving to signal for part of the communications.
			** It's a challenge when connectivity is limited. Also, WhatsApp is the network of choice - everyone's there and adoption of another app where few family and local community members "reside" is resisted by older folks, less digitally literate people, and people who have cheap phones with limited storage space.
			* '''There is a nuance here where we want people to feel the freedom to share what they need to have the community they need... and yet, still be proactively thinking about what they share and how it can be misused.'''
			* The whole '''<nowiki/>'no, I don't have social media' is getting harder to do'''. Lately is getting hard with some collectives using their Instagram handle as their point of contact. They don't even have a gmail address anymore. They just say their Instagram handle. I have tried to explain that you cannot even look at their page without an Instagram account and they think I am an idiot. I think it is important to make collectives understand that Instagram is an addictive app and is simply not OK to force people to join, is like inviting people to try heroine.
			** In my country (at least) it is almost impossible not to use Whatsapp: you need it even for citizenship matters and procedures... also, because if you do not have instagram other people will not notice you... '''it is almost impossible not to need [social media] at some point.'''
			* Just a simple thing to mention, but I find it makes a difference, is a little game in which '''we try apps for funny things, or sexy things among some queer communities'''. '''People have fun, keep the emotional good feeling related to those apps/tools''' and that makes it more likely to give them a try in new contexts, after the training<br />

	'''Do you have a favorite educational resource that you share with your networks about communicating more securely?'''		'''Do you have a favorite educational resource that you share with your networks about communicating more securely?'''
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	* [https://quiz.shira.app/ Shira Quiz] from [https://wearehorizontal.org/index Horizontal], developers of [https://shira.app/ Shira App]		* [https://quiz.shira.app/ Shira Quiz] from [https://wearehorizontal.org/index Horizontal], developers of [https://shira.app/ Shira App]
	** An educational and very practical resource to avoid phishing and communicate securely.		** An educational and very practical resource to avoid phishing and communicate securely.


	'''What are some of the biggest security challenges or concerns you have while communicating within your networks? Are there any lingering questions about secure comms that you would like to share?'''		'''What are some of the biggest security challenges or concerns you have while communicating within your networks? Are there any lingering questions about secure comms that you would like to share?'''

Erin at 15:00, 20 February 2026

2026-02-20T15:00:51Z

@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 * [https://riseagainstbig.tech/ Rise Against Big Tech]
 * [https://www.resistandunsubscribe.com/ Resist and Unsubscribe]
@@ Line 67: / Line 70: @@
 * [https://quiz.shira.app/ Shira Quiz] from [https://wearehorizontal.org/index Horizontal], developers of [https://shira.app/ Shira App]
 ** An educational and very practical resource to avoid phishing and communicate securely.

Erin at 14:55, 20 February 2026

2026-02-20T14:55:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:55, 20 February 2026
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	\| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"\| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png\|thumb\|<big>This is part of the monthly Digital Rights Socials. [[Community Updates\|Check out the next one and previous ones here:]]</big>]]		\| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"\| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png\|thumb\|<big>This is part of the monthly Digital Rights Socials. [[Community Updates\|Check out the next one and previous ones here:]]</big>]]
	\|}		\|}

			== Notes ==
			'''What the community is reading right now...'''

			* The Hakawati - Rabih Alameddine
			* Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir
			* The Expanse (series) - James S. A. Corey
			* The Other Wind - Ursula K. Le Guin
			* Cielos de Córdoba - F. Falco
			* Seeing (Portuguese: Ensaio sobre a Lucidez, lit. Essay on Lucidity) - José Saramago
			* Accidental Czar: The Life and Lies of Vladimir Putin - Andrew S. Weiss
			* White Nights - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
			* El invencible verano de Liliana - Cristina Rivera Garza
			* Wuthering Heights - Emily Brontë
			* Moderation - Elaine Castillo
			* Sunburn - Chloe Michelle Howarth

			'''Community News and Project Updates'''

			* [https://cyd.social/ Cyd] is trying to (finally) make a dev release to delete all your wall data from Facebook! Cyd currently allows you to back up, delete and migrate your data on X.
			* [https://services.globalvoices.org Global Voices Services] is in the process of being launched!
			* The early beta of [https://phnx.im/ Phoenix R&D]'s Air ([https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7410371597062258690-r5_Y LinkedIn], [https://mastodon.social/@phoenix_r_d/115787008878946009 Mastodon]) was launched a couple of weeks ago!
			** The beta is invite-only, so if you are interested in trying it out, message @cityroler directly on Mattermost for an invitation code.
			* The [https://escuelacomun.yanapak.org/ Escuela Común] 2026 cohort has started!
			* [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz6ed1549yvo Tech firms will have 48 hours to remove abusive images under new law]

			'''Community-recommended projects and reading to explore...'''

			* [https://blackskyweb.xyz/ Blacksky Algorithms]
			* [https://aihumanstory.substack.com/p/when-the-internet-goes-dark When the Internet Goes Dark]: ''Uganda killed the internet. 400,000 people had already downloaded Bitchat''
			* [https://riseagainstbig.tech/ Rise Against Big Tech]
			* [https://www.resistandunsubscribe.com/ Resist and Unsubscribe]


			'''Because a tool in itself is not a solution to securing comms...Which practices have you found most valuable to improving security and safety within your network communications?'''



			'''Do you have a favorite educational resource that you share with your networks about communicating more securely?'''
			* [https://freedom.press/digisec/blog/locking-down-signal/ Locking down Signal] - Freedom of the Press Foundation
			* [https://ssd.eff.org/module/communicating-others Communicating With Others] - Surveillance Self-Defense from the Electronic Frontier Foundation
			** Easy, short, and introduces a-bit-more-complex subjects. Full of links if people want to know more.
			* [https://tor-https.eff.org/ How HTTPS and Tor Work Together to Protect Your Anonymity and Privacy] - Surveillance Self-Defense from the Electronic Frontier Foundation
			* [https://www.theverge.com/tech/872493/signal-community-organizing-guide-group-chat A community organizer’s guide to Signal group chats] - The Verge
			* <nowiki>https://securemessagingapps.com</nowiki> - Secure Messaging App Comparison Site
			* [https://quiz.shira.app/ Shira Quiz] from [https://wearehorizontal.org/index Horizontal], developers of [https://shira.app/ Shira App]
			** An educational and very practical resource to avoid phishing and communicate securely.

Erin at 08:08, 11 February 2026

2026-02-11T08:08:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:08, 11 February 2026
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	<big>''Communicating Securely With Your Network: Secure Communications Apps, Protocols, and Best Tips''</big>		<big>''Communicating Securely With Your Network: Secure Communications Apps, Protocols, and Best Tips''</big>

	<big>During our ~~next~~ Digital Rights Social, we will be discussing secure communications apps, and best tips to communicate securely with your network. While the conversation will remain organic, and also include space to connect with other participants, we will be inviting experts to join the conversation as well!</big>		<big>During our February Digital Rights Social, we will be discussing secure communications apps and best tips to communicate securely with your network. While the conversation will remain organic, and also include space to connect with other participants, we will be inviting experts to join the conversation as well!</big>
	</div>		</div>
	\| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"\| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png\|thumb\|<big>This is part of the monthly Digital Rights Socials. [[Community Updates\|Check out the next one and previous ones here:]]</big>]]		\| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"\| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png\|thumb\|<big>This is part of the monthly Digital Rights Socials. [[Community Updates\|Check out the next one and previous ones here:]]</big>]]
	\|}		\|}

Erin at 08:08, 11 February 2026

2026-02-11T08:08:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:08, 11 February 2026
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	<big>'''Where:''' [[TCU Mattermost\| TCU Mattermost \| Secure an account here]]</big><br><br>		<big>'''Where:''' [[TCU Mattermost\| TCU Mattermost \| Secure an account here]]</big><br><br>

	<big>'''Host''': ~~The Lovely~~ Erin :)</big>		<big>'''Host''': Erin</big>

	<hr />		<hr />

	<big>~~Description of topics and featured guest TBD. However, tons of space will be provided for folks to share their work~~, ~~ask questions~~, and ~~simply connect with each other!~~</big>		<big>''Communicating Securely With Your Network: Secure Communications Apps, Protocols, and Best Tips''</big>

			<big>During our next Digital Rights Social, we will be discussing secure communications apps, and best tips to communicate securely with your network. While the conversation will remain organic, and also include space to connect with other participants, we will be inviting experts to join the conversation as well!</big>
	</div>		</div>
	\| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"\| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png\|thumb\|<big>This is part of the monthly Digital Rights Socials. [[Community Updates\|Check out the next one and previous ones here:]]</big>]]		\| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"\| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png\|thumb\|<big>This is part of the monthly Digital Rights Socials. [[Community Updates\|Check out the next one and previous ones here:]]</big>]]
	\|}		\|}

DRAdmin at 18:14, 23 January 2026

2026-01-23T18:14:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:14, 23 January 2026
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	<hr />		<hr />

	<big>Description of topics and featured guest TBD</big>		<big>Description of topics and featured guest TBD. However, tons of space will be provided for folks to share their work, ask questions, and simply connect with each other!</big>

	</div>		</div>
	\| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"\| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png\|thumb\|<big>This is part of the monthly Digital Rights Socials. [[Community Updates\|Check out the next one and previous ones here:]]</big>]]		\| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"\| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png\|thumb\|<big>This is part of the monthly Digital Rights Socials. [[Community Updates\|Check out the next one and previous ones here:]]</big>]]
	\|}		\|}

DRAdmin at 18:10, 23 January 2026

2026-01-23T18:10:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:10, 23 January 2026
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	<hr />		<hr />

	<big>TBD</big>		<big>Description of topics and featured guest TBD</big>

	</div>		</div>
	\| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"\| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png\|thumb\|<big>This is part of the monthly Digital Rights Socials. [[Community Updates\|Check out the next one and previous ones here:]]</big>]]		\| style="vertical-align:top; width:320px;"\| [[File:Digital Rights Social hero.png\|thumb\|<big>This is part of the monthly Digital Rights Socials. [[Community Updates\|Check out the next one and previous ones here:]]</big>]]
	\|}		\|}

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:57, 10 April 2026
Line 22:		Line 22:

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==
	<big>The following [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/what-is-secure-communications What is Secure Communications] primer was created with these notes, with some other information added.</big>		<big>The following [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/what-is-secure-communications What is Secure Communications] primer was created with these notes, with some other information added.</big>

	~~'''What the community is reading right now...'''~~

			====== '''What the community is reading right now...''' ======
	* The Hakawati - Rabih Alameddine		* The Hakawati - Rabih Alameddine
	* Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir		* Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir
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	* Sunburn - Chloe Michelle Howarth		* Sunburn - Chloe Michelle Howarth

	'''Community News and Project Updates'''		====== '''Community News and Project Updates''' ======

	* [https://cyd.social/ Cyd] is trying to (finally) make a dev release to delete all your wall data from Facebook! Cyd currently allows you to back up, delete and migrate your data on X.		* [https://cyd.social/ Cyd] is trying to (finally) make a dev release to delete all your wall data from Facebook! Cyd currently allows you to back up, delete and migrate your data on X.
	* [https://services.globalvoices.org Global Voices Services] is in the process of being launched!		* [https://services.globalvoices.org Global Voices Services] is in the process of being launched!
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	* [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz6ed1549yvo Tech firms will have 48 hours to remove abusive images under new law]		* [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz6ed1549yvo Tech firms will have 48 hours to remove abusive images under new law]

	'''Community-recommended projects and reading to explore...'''		====== '''Community-recommended projects and reading to explore...''' ======

	* [https://blackskyweb.xyz/ Blacksky Algorithms]		* [https://blackskyweb.xyz/ Blacksky Algorithms]
	* [https://aihumanstory.substack.com/p/when-the-internet-goes-dark When the Internet Goes Dark]: ''Uganda killed the internet. 400,000 people had already downloaded Bitchat''		* [https://aihumanstory.substack.com/p/when-the-internet-goes-dark When the Internet Goes Dark]: ''Uganda killed the internet. 400,000 people had already downloaded Bitchat''
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	* [https://fedi.the-counterforce.org/ Fediverse Punk Month]		* [https://fedi.the-counterforce.org/ Fediverse Punk Month]

	'''Because a tool in itself is not a solution to securing comms...Which practices have you found most valuable to improving security and safety within your network communications?'''		====== '''Because a tool in itself is not a solution to securing comms...Which practices have you found most valuable to improving security and safety within your network communications?''' ======

	* This is a good question, I think one of the main things is '''really leaning into message safety and also being sure to not talk about specific things on platforms or certain messaging apps that can be traced'''. Another thing is '''setting times on how long a message will show''' specifically in spaces like signal. That's what we do in some of the groups that I'm in and specifically with our work at Blacksky.		* This is a good question, I think one of the main things is '''really leaning into message safety and also being sure to not talk about specific things on platforms or certain messaging apps that can be traced'''. Another thing is '''setting times on how long a message will show''' specifically in spaces like signal. That's what we do in some of the groups that I'm in and specifically with our work at Blacksky.
	* One small practice I have found really helpful in one larger Signal group I am in that I haven't seen in other larger groups I've been in... The group is invite-only and the admins not only '''first introduce any new recommendations''' '''to the group''' within the chat, but they '''require that more than one person within the existing group approve of the new add'''.		* One small practice I have found really helpful in one larger Signal group I am in that I haven't seen in other larger groups I've been in... The group is invite-only and the admins not only '''first introduce any new recommendations''' '''to the group''' within the chat, but they '''require that more than one person within the existing group approve of the new add'''.
Line 75:		Line 71:
	* Just a simple thing to mention, but I find it makes a difference, is a little game in which '''we try apps for funny things, or sexy things among some queer communities'''. '''People have fun, keep the emotional good feeling related to those apps/tools''' and that makes it more likely to give them a try in new contexts, after the training<br />		* Just a simple thing to mention, but I find it makes a difference, is a little game in which '''we try apps for funny things, or sexy things among some queer communities'''. '''People have fun, keep the emotional good feeling related to those apps/tools''' and that makes it more likely to give them a try in new contexts, after the training<br />

	'''Do you have a favorite educational resource that you share with your networks about communicating more securely?'''		====== '''Do you have a favorite educational resource that you share with your networks about communicating more securely?''' ======
	* [https://freedom.press/digisec/blog/locking-down-signal/ Locking down Signal] - Freedom of the Press Foundation		* [https://freedom.press/digisec/blog/locking-down-signal/ Locking down Signal] - Freedom of the Press Foundation
	* [https://ssd.eff.org/module/communicating-others Communicating With Others] - Surveillance Self-Defense from the Electronic Frontier Foundation		* [https://ssd.eff.org/module/communicating-others Communicating With Others] - Surveillance Self-Defense from the Electronic Frontier Foundation
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	* [https://micahflee.com/using-signal-groups-for-activism/ Using Signal groups for activism] - Micah Lee		* [https://micahflee.com/using-signal-groups-for-activism/ Using Signal groups for activism] - Micah Lee

	'''What are some of the biggest security challenges or concerns you have while communicating within your networks? Are there any lingering questions about secure comms that you would like to share?'''		====== '''What are some of the biggest security challenges or concerns you have while communicating within your networks? Are there any lingering questions about secure comms that you would like to share?''' ======

	* There are so many different applications, groups, chats, servers, etc. It's very hard to keep up with and might create a sense of having too much information to consume every hour of your day. Hopefully there are ways that we can moderate and better control this influx of information so it's not like a community equivalent to social media.		* There are so many different applications, groups, chats, servers, etc. It's very hard to keep up with and might create a sense of having too much information to consume every hour of your day. Hopefully there are ways that we can moderate and better control this influx of information so it's not like a community equivalent to social media.
	* We need to get away from everything WhatsApp. People really believe WhatsApp "encryption" is safe and secure to speak about GBV and state violence. It's not true. The digital divide between Global South and Global North is not just delayed access to resources, devices, internet services and digital use literacy, but a time lag in understanding that surveillance and data collection are everywhere... and we don't just have to accept it, we can move to alternatives.		* We need to get away from everything WhatsApp. People really believe WhatsApp "encryption" is safe and secure to speak about GBV and state violence. It's not true. The digital divide between Global South and Global North is not just delayed access to resources, devices, internet services and digital use literacy, but a time lag in understanding that surveillance and data collection are everywhere... and we don't just have to accept it, we can move to alternatives.
	* Big tech's increased capitulation to surveillance and fascism, lack of interoperability between platforms, and inertia are some big challenges. Migrating from discord, Slack, Whatsapp, etc. should be made easier. The question remains "to what" of course! So answering that, and making migration dead-easy, is critical.		* Big tech's increased capitulation to surveillance and fascism, lack of interoperability between platforms, and inertia are some big challenges. Migrating from discord, Slack, Whatsapp, etc. should be made easier. The question remains "to what" of course! So answering that, and making migration dead-easy, is critical.
	** There also needs to be healthy skepticism of the big tech alternatives. A tool may be more privacy-preserving in its early stages, but what guarantees are in place to ensure it won't grow and evolve into a data-mining, surveillance tool in future?		** There also needs to be healthy skepticism of the big tech alternatives. A tool may be more privacy-preserving in its early stages, but what guarantees are in place to ensure it won't grow and evolve into a data-mining, surveillance tool in future?