Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Nastier rulers will use what they know about you to push you
around. Scrub your computer of malware on a regular basis.
Remember that email is skywriting. Consider using alternative forms of the internet, or simply using it less. Have personal exchanges in person. For the same reason, resolve any legal trouble. Tyrants seek the hook on which to hang you. Try not to have hooks.
-Timothy Snyder
—————-
This passage warns that bad faith rulers exploit digital surveillance, personal data, and legal vulnerabilities to control or silence opposition.
In an era where governments and corporations track online behavior, you must be proactive about protecting their privacy.
Malware, unsecured emails, and your public social media activity can all be used against individuals, whether through disinformation campaigns, harassment, or legal threats. Tyrannical leaders look for weaknesses; whether legal trouble, embarrassing personal information, or online history- to manipulate or discredit people.
The best defense is to minimize digital footprints, engage in private, in-person conversations when possible, and ensure there are no easy “hooks” for bad actors to exploit.
How to do this:
-Use encrypted messaging apps (Signal, ProtonMail) instead of standard email.
-Regularly update security settings and remove malware from your devices.
-Limit what personal information you share online. If you’re a person in the public eye; be strategic. Some stuff is allowed to belong to only you.
-Resolve any legal or financial vulnerabilities that could be used against you.
-When discussing sensitive topics, meet in person rather than online. Share info offline (zines, meetups, flyers)
Nastier rulers will use what they know about you to push you
around. Scrub your computer of malware on a regular basis.
Remember that email is skywriting. Consider using alternative forms of the internet, or simply using it less. Have personal exchanges in person. For the same reason, resolve any legal trouble. Tyrants seek the hook on which to hang you. Try not to have hooks.
-Timothy Snyder
—————-
This passage warns that bad faith rulers exploit digital surveillance, personal data, and legal vulnerabilities to control or silence opposition.
In an era where governments and corporations track online behavior, you must be proactive about protecting their privacy.
Malware, unsecured emails, and your public social media activity can all be used against individuals, whether through disinformation campaigns, harassment, or legal threats. Tyrannical leaders look for weaknesses; whether legal trouble, embarrassing personal information, or online history- to manipulate or discredit people.
The best defense is to minimize digital footprints, engage in private, in-person conversations when possible, and ensure there are no easy “hooks” for bad actors to exploit.
How to do this:
-Use encrypted messaging apps (Signal, ProtonMail) instead of standard email.
-Regularly update security settings and remove malware from your devices.
-Limit what personal information you share online. If you’re a person in the public eye; be strategic. Some stuff is allowed to belong to only you.
-Resolve any legal or financial vulnerabilities that could be used against you.
-When discussing sensitive topics, meet in person rather than online. Share info offline (zines, meetups, flyers)
