Heading out to protest? Disable your phone's biometrics, and 6 more ways to protect your privacy

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Smartphones enable protesters to combat propaganda and misinformation.
• Mobile devices, however, can also be used against you.
• Biometrics are convenient, but passwords or passcodes could offer more protection

Many of us would have preferred a few slow news days easing into 2026, but the year is off to a particularly volatile start. With widespread protests erupting across the globe, concerns turn once again to how we can demonstrate safely in a surveillance-heavy world.  

Also: Biometrics vs. passcodes: What lawyers say if you're worried about warrantless phone searches

You have the right to protest, but you also have the responsibility to stay as safe and secure as possible while attending events and marches. And with a smartphone in your pocket, it is more important than ever to ...