A couple years ago, I had someone in the movement become extremely indignant at me for expecting them to know and care about encrypted platforms. I had to walk back and apologize.
But now, honestly? No. I kind of regret that, now, as they turned out to be a person who cared more about larping a hyperspecific tendency and re-reading Mao over and over like it's a sacred text than actually putting party-building into practice. Because this isn't the 1900s anymore.
But if it were, let me put it to you this way: Imagine you're a revolutionary in the 1900s who doesn't understand why you need to use coded language, doesn't know how to send letters securely, and rather than just sit down and learn these things, lash out at anyone who tries to tell you how important these things are, and to get educated? What would that make you?
Answer: A liability.
There really isn't an excuse. "Not being tech-savvy" isn't a disability. You can
become tech-savvy, and indeed, you need to. If you still think that using email and Discord to organize is okay, or that the most secure way to collaborate is to drive or bike to a public space or a comrade's basement,
you need to learn:- Sending an email, you may as well be sending it through courier. Anyone can read that shit. PGP helps, but it isn't foolproof.
- Discord is not remotely secure, and right now is receiving a ton of media attention — probably more because it's a common meeting place for queer folks, more than revolutionaries. You need to get off of it if you are using it for anything more sensitive than coordinating your League of Legends group. NOW. If you're talking about your thoughts on maybe starting on HRT, on a Discord server, you're fucking up.
- CCTV is everywhere. Walking, or especially driving, out of your house means you can be tracked.
- Even easier if you have your phone on you. So either you leave your phone at home, and put yourself in danger that way by not having a lifeline should something happen, or bring it with you and let it track your every movement.
- Yes, organizing online is the best way to do it. I know it's counterintuitive, but the far-right figured this out a long, long time ago. You need to use encrypted, preferably decentralized platforms, like Matrix or XMPP, depending on your needs.
- "I don't know what those are, stop being mean to me" is not an excuse. Plenty of us are more than happy to teach you and hold your hand every step of the way.
(Also, stop using Windows and Mac, asap. If you can survive without a smartphone, do that, too.)
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