Micah Lee, journalist and technologist, outlined what he calls “the growing age of technofascism" – the fusion of authoritarian politics with Big Tech surveillance – at his BSides Portland keynote talk. Drawing from years of experience protecting journalists and activists, Lee warned that the same tools once used for foreign surveillance and warfare are now being turned inward, targeting immigrants, protesters, and political dissidents across the United States.

Lee’s presentation traced how agencies like ICE increasingly rely on private spyware firms and data-extraction tools to monitor communities, while major tech corporations quietly enable these abuses through censorship and collaboration. He emphasizes a focal point: digital safety is a collective responsibility, not an individual one.

At CLDC, we echo that call. Many of our training courses explore both technical awareness and security culture. As state surveillance expands, CLDC remains committed to equipping movements with the knowledge and tools they need to organize safely, resist repression, and protect one another.

We encourage activists, journalists, and organizers to stay one step ahead, educating themselves and others about these concerns and practicing security culture. Through intentional training and dialogue, movements can strengthen their ability to operate safely, protect sensitive information, and sustain long-term resistance in the face of growing threats.

Make sure to check out these two great Activist Checklist links:

https://activistchecklist.org/action/

https://activistchecklist.org/secondary/#true-burner