The world always seems to be on the edge of breaking. Between extreme political upheaval and the growing demands by terrorist organizations, those seeking to live a rewarding, quiet life with their families are further strained by the pressures of potential battle.
It may seem a long way off to those comfortable in the idea that war only affects developing countries in faraway lands, but to the more alert and aware citizenry that prefers preparedness over complacency, there is a growing need for enhanced security.
Nothing could make this more evident than the current conflicts in Russia and Ukraine. Every day international veterans travel to these countries for support or to provide remote assistance in training, development, and strategic insight.
The problem is the battle isn’t just happening on the field. There is a growing digital war happening all the time inside the soldier’s pockets, with Big Tech and government surveillance dictating the theatre of war.
Ever since the early 2000s, the rise and profits of massive international technology companies like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and more have had a hand in the daily operations of those engaged in conflicts. However, not in the way you may think.
Yes, there have always been methods for Big Tech to observe and track personal data to predict international outcomes, but more importantly, these firms can shut off services in any given area of the world. They are picking sides by making life harder for the soldiers, aid workers, and innocent citizens caught in the middle of the battle.
For example, Apple ceased all sales operations in Russia both through physical products and digital services like Apple Pay. In addition, Google Maps has added SOS alerts on searches across Ukraine and disabled some live map features inside Russia.
The list goes on and on. These massive technology companies have just as much ability to provide valuable tools as they do to suddenly take them away. Millions of people who rely on these apps and services for daily life are suddenly stuck in a lurch, all at a time when their countries enter bloody warfare.
What does this mean for you? Imagine a scenario where war breaks out in your own country. Not the traditional invasion of a foreign power, but the massive upheaval of unrest that suddenly morphs into a violent, actionable group sweeping across Australia. What then? Will you be stuck out in the cold like the people of Russia or Ukraine, who are often wildly unprepared to manage life without those “reliable” digital tools?
This is where protecting your data using open-sourced solutions is a far more desirable choice. In today’s digital age, having a deGoogled phone goes a long way to ensuring you always receive the services and insights to keep you and your family safe. This is because all of the tracking data is removed, and open-sourced services supported by the more alert online community are installed instead.
Even veteran soldiers from the U.S. realize having a solution to everyday consumer electronics is wise. They go a step further, combining specialized electronics for communication during warfare with Faraday bags. This ensures the only time these soldiers risk detection from the opposing fighters is when they must reach out for support.
DeGoogled Phones – Stripped of tracking software, these phones run on open-source apps supported by a privacy-conscious community. They ensure you stay connected without surveillance.
Faraday Bags – Used even by military veterans, these signal-blocking pouches prevent tracking when you don’t want your phone or device broadcasting your location.
Open-Source Privacy Tools – Independent apps and software reduce reliance on centralized tech giants while keeping your data safe.
For a deeper understanding of why open-source technology matters, check out The Linux Foundation’s resources.
Governments and Big Tech won’t prioritize citizens’ safety once fighting begins. Whether you’re in a war-torn region or living comfortably in a stable country, preparedness is your responsibility.
At FreedomTechs, we provide solutions like Faraday bags, DeGoogled phones, and secure communication tools—helping families stay private, undetectable, and safe during uncertain times.
For additional background on how technology is reshaping war, you may also explore NATO’s Emerging Technology Report.