{✊} Hack The System - Digital Activism Podcast by Acter

The Power of Volunteer Community with My Voice, My Choice

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 11:17:02 +0100

Jo sat down with Lucija Borak from My Voice, My Choice campaign to talk about their European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) and the transformative power of volunteer communities. How did people across EU come together gathering one million signatures for safe & accessible abortion? In this episode, Lucija shares her journey about being part of running this campaign, the unexpected connections she's built along the way, and how campaigning for abortion rights has impacted both her life and the lives of those around her.

If you can and want to get involved, please make a donation to the campaign, become a volunteer, or at least make sure to follow My Voice, My Choice on Instagram!

The Power of Volunteer Community with My Voice, My Choice

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Windows 11 upgrade - Do I really have to?

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 16:23:53 +0100

You might face the same problem as Jo does: The laptop reports that her existing Windows 10 is running out of updates and urges her to upgrade to Windows 11. But the following check says that there are some hardware requirements not met, indicating she would have to buy new hardware.

What to do? And why even is this happening? The hardware works fine, why does Windows 11 need other hardware? And what if I can't afford or don't want to upgrade? Is it a problem if I just keep using my Windows 10? Aren't there any alternatives?

To help answer these question our host Jo, invited the CTO of Acter, Ben, to the show again. Spoilers: there is an alternative to throwing money at Microsoft for you to continuing using your hardware – and it's even free and we'll briefly go into how to use that.

This and more in this weeks podcast episode of "Hack The System"

Windows 11 upgrade - Do I really have to?

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Notes:

End of Life for Windows
Windows 10 End of Support Microsoft Website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-of-support
Disable Copilot on Window 11: https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/software/how-disable-copilot-in-windows-11
Best Linux to switch to: https://jasondeegan.com/best-linux-distros-to-try-before-windows-10-support-ends/

Introducing: {✊} Hack the System

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:49:24 +0100

We renamed the podcast, but also focused a bit cleaner what this all about. This trailer briefly introduces the new name and what to expect from the podcast going forward.

Introducing: {✊} Hack the System

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Privacy-focused Hardware & answering: Should you upgrade your Phone?

Tue, 20 May 2025 02:32:51 +0100

In this last part of the "hit the fan"-mini-series, we briefly touch on privacy-focused of vendors of hardware and software, including Laptops and Smartphones. Additionally we try to answer the question, whether you need to upgrade your Phone – in particular if an App told you the Phone version was too old ...

Notes & References:

PinePhone Pro
Framework DYI Laptops
Slimbook Linux Laptops
End Of Life of Operation Systems: Android, iOS

Privacy-focused Hardware vendors & Should you upgrade your phone?

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EU Privacy Regulations & Big Tech claims on privacy

Tue, 06 May 2025 04:39:14 +0100

In today's episode of the "💩 hit the fan"-miniseries we look at privacy regulation, in particular in the European Union, specifically the GDPR and the Digital Markets Regulation Act – what does that mean and what effect does it have for us "consumers". After we look a hard look at privacy-claims of Big Tech and whether we can trust those by looking back on previous claims they made, in particular how they clawed back any climate neutrality targets they had.

Notes & References:

Unlike said in the podcast, Google's plan was to be NetZero by 2030 (not 2025), but is failing either way, citing AI (AP, July 2024).
TheVerge, Jan 2025: Apple brings Alternate Stores to iOS in Europe
CNN, Sept 2024: Microsoft wants to re-open Three Mile Island

💩 hit the fan: EU regulation and big tech privacy claims

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Acter @ Progress Reimagined Podcast: Social Movements in Dangerous Times

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 12:38:40 +0100

We have a special episode for you; our Executive Director Emil Vincentz had the pleasure of being interviewed by Kathleen Chu for her podcast Progress Reimagined! Progress Reimagined explores innovative ideas, technologies, and emerging economic models that put humanity and our planet first. Listen now this great conversation about the challenges of digital organizing in an era of increased authoritarianism, the importance of secure and usable tools, and how decentralized technology can help preserve activist spaces.

Key Topics:
-The difference between mobilizing vs. organizing in social movements
-How current digital tools shape activist organizing (often not for the better)
-Matrix protocol and decentralized technology for movement security
-Designing technology that respects user attention and privacy
-Security challenges for activists in restrictive environments
-Creating sustainable movement structures that don't rely on individuals
-Balancing usability with security in activist technology

Make sure to follow and subscribe to Progress Reimagined for future discussions:

Youtube
RSS feed for podcast platforms
Instagram
BlueSky
Substack

Acter @ Progress Reimagined Podcast: Social Movements in Dangerous Times

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Privacy-focused Software, in particular browsers & search engines

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:08:51 +0100

In this 💩 hit the fan mini-series we continue the discussion from last time and dive deeper into the practical aspects of privacy focused software. While last time we spoke about why that matters in the first place, this episode looks at what you want to do as an activists, and in particular how you to best pick a privacy-focused software and which choices you have to make in that process.

Additionally we will cover the detriment state that the second browser war left us with – spoiler: even the former champion Firefox is not on a good path anymore – and discuss search engines.

Further Reading

Firefox Browser
- recommended: The uBlock Origin Add blocker extension
LibreWolf Browser
The deal between Google and Firefox
Privacy focused tool alternatives
Privacy alternative Search Engines

Privacy focused software, in particular browsers and search engines

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Intro to privacy-focused Software, basics of Phone Tracking

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 04:07:54 +0100

In this short episode, Jo and Ben are talking about what makes a Software privacy-focused, what to look for when making these choices and what drawbacks to expect. We'll also briefly cover the basics of how apps can track your specific smartphone.

Further Reading:

How to disable Advertiser ID on your Smartphone by the EFF
Wikipedia on IMEI

Acter Podcast: Intro to privacy focused software, basics of Cell-Phone tracking

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Post US-Government Group-Chat-Leak Special: Is Signal messenger insecure?

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 20:16:12 +0000

Due to a mishandling of sensitive Information by the Trump Administration, Signal Messenger is in the press the last few days. The end-to-end-encrypted messenger is also very popular among activists. Unfortunately there is some misleading reporting implying that Signal is less secure than previously thought – we were also personally asked about this. Prompting us to make a special episode to discuss what happened, what the reporting is about and whether activists should switch to something else.

Spoiler: No. Signal is secure.

Additionally we cover what that might mean for the Signal Organization and what we can learn from the incident for our own Operational Security for Activists. More in the episode 😃 .

Resources:

Special is signal secure

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WhatsApp vs Signal, Chat Group Security Practices & What to do when you got compromised

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:29:29 +0000

In this 21min podcast episode Ben, Acter CTO and Lead Product, and Jo, Community Lead of Acter, talk about the Security of WhatsApp vs. Signal, share tips on Chat Group Security and what to do when you got compromised.

?! Need help right now ?!

👉 GlobalSupport.Link support desk
👉 AccessNow Help Line
👉 Amnesty International Security Lab

Resources

Report by Amnesty about Unauthorized Access to Phones by Serbian Security Forces

hatsApp vs Signal, Chat Group Security Practices & What to do when you got compromised

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Activists Device Security Hygiene, Encryption and Password-Managers

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this 20min podcast episode Ben, Acter CTO and Lead Product, and Jo, Community Lead of Acter, talk about the Device Security Hygiene for Activist, Encryption, Password-Manager and why you should use one, and 2-Factor-Authentication.

?! Need help right now ?!

👉 GlobalSupport.Link support desk
👉 AccessNow Help Line
👉 Amnesty International Security Lab

Resources

How to Encrypt your Phone and Computer (Surveillance Self-Defense Project by the EFF)
Has your password been leaked: HaveIbeenPawned.com
Best Password Managers in Privacy Guides
KeePassXC Open Source Password Manager
Why SMS isn't secure by HowToGeek

Device Security Hygiene & Password Managers for Activists

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Basics of Activists Safety & Security: Threat Modeling

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:45:56 +0000

In this 25min podcast episode Ben, Acter CTO and Lead Product, and Jo, Community Lead of Acter, talk about the basics of Activist Security & Safety: Thread Modeling, some basic understanding of threads around you and some first hand tips.

?! Need help right now ?!

👉 GlobalSupport.Link support desk
👉 AccessNow Help Line
👉 Amnesty International Security Lab

Resources

Guide to Thread modeling: https://www.privacyguides.org/en/basics/threat-modeling/
Thread Modeling in the Activist Handbook: https://activisthandbook.org/tools/security
Access Now Thread Modeling workshop: https://www.accessnow.org/first-look-at-digital-security/
Has your password been leaked: HaveIbeenPawned.com
Surveillance Self-Defense by the Electronic Frontier Foundation: https://ssd.eff.org/
Privacy Guides: https://www.privacyguides.org/en/

Threat Modeling for Activists

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Trailer: 💩 hit the fan

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 20:46:28 +0000

We are bringing back the "Digital Activism – podcast by Acter" and kick it off with a mini series "💩 hit the fan". Where Ben (CTO and Product Lead) and Jo (Community Lead) will discuss what activists can do now to stay safe online, protect their work and privacy and what else matters. More in this quick trailer.

Subscribe now, either here via RSS or wherever you get your podcasts, to not miss any episode of that upcoming mini series.

Trailer: 💩 hit the fan

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Navigating Digital Activism: Insights from Activist Handbook with Joppe

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:23:30 +0100

The digital age has brought about transformative ways for activists to mobilize, connect, and enact change. In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep with Joppe, an activist at heart and a key contributor to the Activist Handbook, to understand the nuances of digital activism. This conversation isn't just about celebrating achievements; it's a critical reflection on the journey of activism in the digital realm. Here's a closer look at the rich insights and discussions from the episode.

Digital Activism: More Than Just Hashtags

A Collective Resource: The Activist Handbook

Joppe shares the vision behind the Activist Handbook as more than a repository of information. It's a collaborative effort that thrives on the contributions and collective wisdom of activists from various backgrounds. The handbook aims to be a living document that evolves with the challenges and needs of the activist community.

The Interplay of Strategy, Action, and Reflection

One of the critical insights from the conversation is the balance between strategy, action, and the often-overlooked aspect of reflection in activism. Joppe emphasizes that impactful activism is not impulsive; it requires thoughtful planning, committed action, and, importantly, periods of reflection to understand what works and what doesn’t.

The Vital Role of Community and Support

A standout theme from the episode is the undeniable importance of community and support networks in activism. Joppe touches on how activism, at its core, is about building relationships—connecting with others who share your vision and supporting each other through challenges and victories.

Key Takeaways

Beyond the Digital Realm: Digital activism is a powerful tool for mobilization but achieving lasting change often requires action offline as well.
Collaborative Learning and Sharing: The Activist Handbook exemplifies the importance of sharing knowledge and resources in a movement that's constantly evolving.
Balanced Approach to Activism: The journey of activism is as much about strategic planning and action as it is about reflection and adaptation.
Starting a Movement: Activism is accessible to everyone; it doesn’t require special qualifications, just a commitment to cause and action.
The Double-Edged Sword of Technology: While technology can connect us, the value of local, on-the-ground support networks cannot be overstated.
Clear Communication and Boundaries: Setting clear expectations and boundaries within activist organizations is crucial for alignment and avoiding conflicts.
Consensus vs. Consent: The discussion highlights the nuances between consensus in collective decision-making and consent in individual agreement.
Secure Communication: Tools like Signal and Slack are emphasized for their role in facilitating secure and effective communication among activists.
The Importance of Being Informed: Engaging with a wide range of information sources is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape.
Guest Recommendations: Future discussions could benefit from voices like activist.org and the EFF, reflecting the diversity and challenges of digital activism.

Reflections

This podcast episode with Joppe offers a nuanced exploration of digital activism, far removed from the often superficial portrayal of online movements. It's a reminder that behind every tweet, post, or digital campaign, there's a need for thoughtful strategy, community building, and reflection. As we continue to navigate the digital landscape, these insights serve as valuable guides for activists looking to make a meaningful impact in today’s interconnected world.

Where to listen?

You can listen to Digital Activism wherever you get your podcasts or right here:

Joppe – Capacity Building for Activists

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Ben & Lautaro – Two activists talk about Loss & Damage

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:43:21 +0000

In our new podcast episode, climate activists Ben from the U.S. and Lautaro from Argentina talk about the loss and damage caused by the climate crisis.

They emphasize the urgency of tackling climate issues globally, holding those responsible to account, and addressing the impact of the climate crisis on communities around the world.

The discussion also focuses on establishing the Loss and Damage Fund, the results of the COP conference and taking action, especially as young people.

Listen to our new episode wherever you get your podcast, or right here:

Luarato and ben podcast

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