Having a digitally based company and traveling the world can be incredible, but it’s crucial to know how to protect your privacy in a surveillance state.
In an era where global surveillance is expanding at an unprecedented rate, protecting your privacy has become not just a personal preference, but a professional necessity. For digital nomads and global entrepreneurs who live and work across borders, the risks are multiplied. You’re often using unfamiliar networks, operating in countries with varying degrees of digital freedom, and storing sensitive client or business data in the cloud. So how can you protect your privacy while navigating the world?
Understanding the Modern Surveillance State
A surveillance state is one in which the government or private actors systematically monitor the population’s activities, often in the name of national security or law enforcement. Techniques include CCTV, internet traffic monitoring, facial recognition, and mobile phone tracking. Countries like China, Russia, and even parts of the EU and U.S. have implemented extensive surveillance systems that may impact travelers.
In countries like the UK, privacy efforts are countered with demands for backdoors, which leads to vulnerabilities in protection for end users.
Why Privacy Matters for Digital Nomads and Entrepreneurs
When your business relies on remote access, cloud platforms, and real-time communication, any breach in privacy can be costly. Leaked trade secrets, stolen identities, and exposed client data can all stem from weak privacy practices. Moreover, governments in certain regions may monitor or restrict internet access, putting you and your ventures at legal or financial risk.
Finding ways to strike the balance between the legalities of different jurisdictions, and protecting your business can be difficult, but not impossible.
Core Principles to Protect Your Privacy Anywhere
The singular best practice in protecting anything — be it yourself, your things, or your privacy — is to avoid unnecessary risks. Each app, device, point of access, and permission is a point of vulnerability. So keep those to a minimum where you can!
- Practice Digital Minimalism: Carry only the devices you need. Avoid unnecessary apps. Everything seems to have an app these days, but you don’t need to interact with everything that way. Less is more.
- Assume Public Networks Are Unsafe: Avoid accessing sensitive data on public Wi-Fi unless protected by a VPN.
- Verify App and Software Permissions: Many apps collect more data than they need. Regularly review permissions. This can be a chore, but well worth the effort. The defaults are rarely in your privacy’s best interests.
- Encrypt and Backup Your Data: Use encrypted storage and cloud backup services to ensure security and recovery. This is good for both privacy and just practicality.
Essential Tools and Technologies to Protect Your Privacy
These are tools which enhance the protection of your data and privacy. If you look at them as parts to a virtual vault, their costs are justified. These are just a few ounces of prevention you can take:
- VPNs: Use a trustworthy VPN like ProtonVPN or NordVPN to encrypt your internet connection.
- Encrypted Messaging: Switch to apps like Signal or ProtonMail.
- Password Managers and 2FA: Use Bitwarden or LastPass and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Secure Browsers: Brave or Firefox with privacy extensions.
- Privacy-First Operating Systems: Tails OS or Qubes OS for advanced users.
Country-Specific Considerations
You can’t change the laws, but you can change travel plans or how, when and what you activate given the privacy conditions of a given jurisdiction.
- Know the Laws: Understand local data privacy regulations before arrival.
- Use Stealth Mode in High-Risk Regions: Use burner phones, avoid local SIM registration, and rely on secure browsers.
- Cloud Storage Location Matters: Choose cloud providers based in countries with strong data privacy laws. Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway have robust laws and legal standards for privacy protection.
Best Practices for On-the-Go Privacy
It’s one thing to be in a fixed location for a while and get your bearings. It’s another if you are jet-setting from place to place.
- Use Public Wi-Fi with Caution: Always connect through a VPN.
- Physical Privacy Measures: Use screen protectors, webcam covers, and keep your devices with you.
- Mobile Phone Safety: Lock your phone, disable unnecessary permissions, and avoid suspicious downloads.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
- When Encryption is Illegal: Some countries ban or restrict encrypted communications. Stay informed.
- Dealing with Device Inspections: Be prepared to deny access or use travel-friendly, minimal data devices.
- Compliance Matters: Always stay within the legal framework of the countries you operate in.
Conclusion
Protecting your privacy as a digital nomad or entrepreneur isn’t optional—it’s essential. By adopting the right tools, habits, and awareness, you can work securely from anywhere in the world. Remember: proactive privacy is smart business.
Want to take control of your privacy on the road? Join GWP Insiders where you can get free consultations, deep discounts on corporate and trust services, plus a host of information about internationalizing your business, wealth and life or check out our Global Escape Hatch Action Plan that covers privacy planning.
