Using Technology To Oppose Tyranny: Part 6 - Be Wary of Paramilitaries

Using Technology To Oppose Tyranny: Part 6 – Be Wary of Paramilitaries If you missed the earlier posts, you can find them here:

If you missed the first posts of this series, you’ll find them here:

• Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4,Part 5

Timothy Snyder’s sixth lesson is:

Be Wary of Paramilitaries

This one feels like something from a dystopian TV show, not your neighborhood. But Snyder’s warning is based on real history: when unofficial armed groups start acting with government approval—or indifference—that’s a red flag. When they’re used to intimidate protestors, voters, or marginalized groups, it’s not just about violence. It’s about silencing people through fear.

I’m not a militia expert, and I’m guessing (most of) you aren’t either. But we don’t have to be experts to help. We have technology—and with it, a dozen small ways to help resist the normalization of paramilitary behavior.

Here are a few ideas:

🗺️ Map the Intimidation

If people start reporting armed “patrols” showing up at events, protests, or polling places, we need a record. Tools like Ushahidi let you crowdsource and map incidents anonymously.

What you can do:

• Help friends or activists collect reports safely and anonymously.

• Offer tech support to civic groups documenting this kind of activity.

Why it matters: When paramilitary activity stays invisible, it spreads. When it’s documented and mapped, it can’t hide.

🤖 Flag the Radicalization Machine

Many militia groups recruit online through forums, memes, and livestreams—often in plain sight. Tools like Moonshot use tech to counter online radicalization. (Side note: many of the tools I found while looking for this were programs participating with law enforcement, so if they’re already working together those might be a little too late.)

What you can do:

• Share or support anti-radicalization tools.

• If you’re a developer or data nerd, contribute to open-source counter-extremism efforts.

Why it matters: Stopping a would-be militia member before they join is a win for everyone—including them.

Also note that extremist networks have already been using open source tools themselves to evade detection.

📡 Create a Local Alert Network

Apps like Signal, Bridgefy, or even text groups can help neighbors or activists set up “see something, say something” alerts when armed groups show up uninvited.

What you can do:

• Create a trusted group to share local alerts.

• Use encrypted tools (like Signal) so people can speak up safely. (Don’t forget that people can still take screenshots and share them outside the group. We all had a great lesson in that recently, and were very lucky that it was a responsible journalist doing the sharing.)

Why it matters: Paramilitaries thrive on surprise and fear. Coordinated communities are harder to scare.

🎖️ Lift Up Veteran Voices Against Militias

Many paramilitaries pretend to speak for veterans. But there are lots of veterans who deeply oppose this abuse of military identity. Use your tech skills to help amplify their voices—on social media, blogs, podcasts, or video.

What you can do:

• Share videos or statements from groups like Veterans for Peace.

• Build or boost content that reframes what “service” really means.

Why it matters: They’re harder to dismiss—and their voices are powerful.

📣 Pressure Local Leaders with Facts

Most paramilitary activity gets ignored until it’s too late. Help local officials connect the dots by using tech tools like Resistbot or Action Network to show that people are paying attention—and expect action.

What you can do:

• Automate respectful messages with links to verified reports or incidents.

• Help others do the same—template messages go a long way.

Why it matters: Local leaders are more likely to act when they realize people are watching, and they won’t get a pass.

📷 Document With Care

When you witness armed intimidation or harassment, video can help—but it also puts people at risk. Tools like Witness.org and ProofMode let you securely capture and verify footage while protecting identities.

What you can do:

• Use apps that strip metadata and blur faces.

• Support organizations training activists in safe documentation.

Why it matters: Documenting abuse is powerful—but it has to be done carefully to avoid putting people in more danger.

🧠 Educate Through Story

History is full of moments when militias were used to crush movements for justice. People forget. You can help tell those stories—through podcasts, short videos, zines, or even memes.

What you can do:

• Use free tools like Canva, Audacity, or CapCut to create explainers.

• Focus on stories of resistance, not just fear.

Why it matters: Narratives shape what people think is normal—and what they’ll resist.

🛰️ Support OSINT Investigators

Groups like Bellingcat use open-source intelligence (OSINT) to expose the networks and funding behind paramilitaries. You don’t have to be an investigator to help—many just need extra eyes or tech support.

What you can do:

• Follow OSINT teams, amplify their work.

• Offer skills like scripting, mapping, or translation.

Why it matters: Transparency stops impunity. Even a retweet can help a thread go viral.

🛑 Use Online Reviews to Push Back

Some paramilitary groups hide behind “security” or “patriot” branding and run companies. If they harass protestors or immigrants, their online reviews matter. So do screenshots.

What you can do:

• Flag and report abusive businesses on Yelp, Google, or BBB.

• Help compile credible reports of threats or harassment.

Why it matters: Reputation is currency. Tech platforms can be held accountable for who they promote.

🫂 Fund and Follow Nonviolent Organizers

Every moment of civil courage needs a logistics team. Mutual aid groups, protest marshals, and legal observers often work quietly in the background. You can help them get what they need—gear, food, tools, tech.

What you can do:

• Use fundraising platforms like Open Collective or GoFundMe.

• Share and support bail funds, encrypted chat training, or gear lists.

Why it matters: Behind every nonviolent protest is someone keeping the lights on. You can be that someone.

What do you think? Have you seen other ways technology can help us be wary of paramilitaries? Let me know (my contact info is in the about page) I’d love to hear your thoughts.