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| - | **Guest Article #1: An Excerpt from "How to Cypher Sex: A manual | + | **Guest Article #1: An Excerpt from "How to Cypher Sex: A Manual |
| - | This is an excerpt from Cypher Sex's manual for collective self-defense in response to the 2018 US-based bill FOSTA/ | + | This is an excerpt from Cypher Sex's manual for collective self-defense in response to the 2018 US-based bill FOSTA/ |
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| In most resources, guides and trainings, the tips and strategies used to protect ourselves from harm when using online tools and digital devices are usually presented using the terms “digital security” or “cybersecurity.” In this manual (and our previous guides), we prefer to focus on “self-defense” from a more self-empowered position rather than on the term “security.” For example, when we think about security we tend to think about something monolithic like a nuclear fallout bunker. While these shelters are certainly considered relatively safe in one of the worst scenarios imaginable, finding security in such a place means there is very little else you can do apart from passively hiding underground until the end of time. Additionally, | In most resources, guides and trainings, the tips and strategies used to protect ourselves from harm when using online tools and digital devices are usually presented using the terms “digital security” or “cybersecurity.” In this manual (and our previous guides), we prefer to focus on “self-defense” from a more self-empowered position rather than on the term “security.” For example, when we think about security we tend to think about something monolithic like a nuclear fallout bunker. While these shelters are certainly considered relatively safe in one of the worst scenarios imaginable, finding security in such a place means there is very little else you can do apart from passively hiding underground until the end of time. Additionally, | ||
| - | When used in the digital sphere, the term “security” additionally usually refers to a top-down vision of protection from digital threats that are often based on mainstream perceptions rather than on facts. For example, consider how [[https:// | + | When used in the digital sphere, the term “security” additionally usually refers to a top-down vision of protection from digital threats that are often based on mainstream perceptions rather than on facts. For example, consider how [[https:// |
| Without a deep reflection on these trends, often even technologists tend to apply the same top-down cybersecurity approach when using their skills to support grassroots movements and civil society. In the past few years, we have seen attempts at “teaching digital security” to activists and human rights defenders by training them on the use of “secure tools” without making sure that those tools actually matched their threat model with their needs and goals. In the end, this so-called “digital security” approach is counterproductive because tools that are secure but make life more difficult tend to be discarded in favor of less safe approaches that have proved to be good enough to reach a specific outcome. In other words, in emergency cases or when our stress level peaks, we tend to accept some risks as long as we can achieve what we need to overcome an acute crisis. | Without a deep reflection on these trends, often even technologists tend to apply the same top-down cybersecurity approach when using their skills to support grassroots movements and civil society. In the past few years, we have seen attempts at “teaching digital security” to activists and human rights defenders by training them on the use of “secure tools” without making sure that those tools actually matched their threat model with their needs and goals. In the end, this so-called “digital security” approach is counterproductive because tools that are secure but make life more difficult tend to be discarded in favor of less safe approaches that have proved to be good enough to reach a specific outcome. In other words, in emergency cases or when our stress level peaks, we tend to accept some risks as long as we can achieve what we need to overcome an acute crisis. | ||
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| Digital self-defense can only be effective if it has a holistic approach. Even when a threat is based exclusively in the physical or in the digital sphere, its ramifications always encompass all the contexts of our life; physical, psychosocial, | Digital self-defense can only be effective if it has a holistic approach. Even when a threat is based exclusively in the physical or in the digital sphere, its ramifications always encompass all the contexts of our life; physical, psychosocial, | ||
| - | A more empowering approach to protection starts with participatory threat modeling; a collective reflection of our fears including what is more or less likely to happen to us, who our adversaries and allies are, as well as how we can improve our practices to better protect ourselves, our activities and our peers. Fundamentally, | + | A more empowering approach to protection starts with participatory threat modeling; a collective reflection of our fears including what is more or less likely to happen to us, who our adversaries and allies are, as well as how we can improve our practices to better protect ourselves, our activities and our peers. Fundamentally, |
| We also see the word “self-defense” as fundamentally linked to feminist collective organizing; particularly in regards to sharing knowledge, skills and best practices. Feminists have historically used this term to talk about women’s right to protect themselves and to assert their rights and boundaries. However, in order to consider all the possible levels where harm can happen, self-defense also needs to adopt an intersectional approach that includes queer people, sex workers and other marginalized groups. In order to correctly assess and address the threats for a specific group or individual, we need to consider their social and political context and take into account the multiple systems of oppression and domination they are exposed to. Let’s not forget that online violence is just an extension of physical violence and can sadly amplify it even more. In short, we believe knowledge on how to protect ourselves from digital threats should be shared among the most vulnerable groups. | We also see the word “self-defense” as fundamentally linked to feminist collective organizing; particularly in regards to sharing knowledge, skills and best practices. Feminists have historically used this term to talk about women’s right to protect themselves and to assert their rights and boundaries. However, in order to consider all the possible levels where harm can happen, self-defense also needs to adopt an intersectional approach that includes queer people, sex workers and other marginalized groups. In order to correctly assess and address the threats for a specific group or individual, we need to consider their social and political context and take into account the multiple systems of oppression and domination they are exposed to. Let’s not forget that online violence is just an extension of physical violence and can sadly amplify it even more. In short, we believe knowledge on how to protect ourselves from digital threats should be shared among the most vulnerable groups. | ||
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| - | Find the manual in its entirety on [[https:// | + | Find the manual in its entirety on [[https:// |