News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Monday October 19th 2026
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Open in new tab How to Improve Your Online Privacy
By CHRIS FERGUSON
First and foremost, you shouldn’t bring any devices, such as a smartphone or a smartwatch, with you to a protest. Cell connections are frequently hijacked by law enforcement without a warrant. Any information you send through that connection can be traced back to you. This is possible no matter which of the following steps you take. Even if you’re using a VPN (explained below) they can still capture the encrypted data and store it. The most secure way to secure your digital footprint is to stay off the Internet.
1. The Foundations: Accounts & Access
Before worrying about trackers, users need to secure their front door.
Password Hygiene: Don’t trust the password manager built into your phone or browser. Move away from reused passwords and use a password manager such as Bitwarden or NordPass. Make sure you back up your passwords to an encrypted storage site like Proton Drive or Cryptpad.fr.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Set up multifactor authentication on all accounts that offer it, including your bank, social media, your email, and your phone carrier. You can also use an authenticator like Proton Authenticator.
2. Browser and Device Hardening
This is where most daily tracking happens. Police and government officials have unprecedented access to your device.… Read the rest “How to Improve Your Online Privacy”
Keep citizen journalism alive!
Right Thing the Wrong Way
from the series Something I Said…
By DWIGHT HOBBES
ICE is doing the right thing the wrong way. The 2024 wholesale deportation of Tren de Aragua gang members videotaped terrorizing apartment residents of Aurora, Colorado was a desperately needed rescue action. It began a practice, though, by which, instead of targeting violent parasites who prey on those leading productive lives, federal law enforcement is, itself, wantonly destructive.
For going on two years, South Minneapolis has seen Mexican immigrants and Mexican American citizens live in fear to the point of hysteria, making what used to be a humorous quip frighteningly real: because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. Accordingly, it’s quite sensible that in January the Minneapolis City Council asked Gov. Tim Walz to institute an eviction moratorium. You go to work, get arrested and deported, you’re unable to pay rent. You don’t get deported but are detained too long, you can’t work, can’t pay rent. City Council Member Robin Wonsley said at the news conference. “No family should have to choose between keeping a roof over their heads and risking being kidnapped by ICE.” She also addressed an attendant issue. “Normal tasks such as taking the bus to work, picking up kids from school, attending doctor appointments, and visits to places of worship, are now dangerous.”… Read the rest “Right Thing the Wrong Way”