Introduction

In the wake of 2020’s social upheaval, I found myself at the epicenter of Seattle’s CHOP zone, disillusioned by the mainstream media’s portrayal of the events unfolding around me. It marked a turning point in my life and in the landscape of citizen journalism. My parents, thousands of miles away, were consumed by fear due to the distorted narratives being broadcast. This disconnect between reality and reporting was the catalyst for Concrete Reporting—a venture born out of necessity, and a platform committed to authenticity, integrity, and the raw truth of protest movements.

The Livestreamer’s Dilemma

The role of a livestreamer at protests is fraught with ethical considerations. After a while, you start to understand that the live format is a double-edged sword. It can draw more attention, more mutual-aid, more support, and the immediacy of live footage carries with it an immense power to influence public perception. Yet, this power must be wielded judiciously. The camera, though non-violent, is indeed a weapon. Point it towards a speaker, and you amplify their message. Direct it at police brutality, and you shield the victim. But aim it carelessly, and you might inadvertently arm the very institutions we strive to hold accountable. My journey has been one of constant learning—navigating the fine line between providing unvarnished views of civil disobedience and safeguarding the identities of those brave enough to stand up for their beliefs.

Safety First

At the core of my work is a commitment to the safety and dignity of those around me. My approach is proactive and rooted in respect. I engage with organizers from the outset, seeking consent to film and establishing trust that I understand the Golden Rule: avoid filming faces and respect privacy. This initial interaction sets the tone for the coverage that follows. My attire—a medkit, a BLM mask, and visible press credentials with a QR code linking to my work—is a non-verbal communication of my intent and an invitation for scrutiny. The methods I employ while filming are deliberate: focusing on speakers and organizers who are reasonably expecting to be filmed, strategically framing shots, manually covering the camera during unexpected direct action, utilizing a wide lens for crowd shots to protect identities, and refraining from capturing sensitive operational details such as car brigades, bike brigades, medics/legal observers, precise location information, and safety briefings/debriefings. These are not mere tactics; they are the pillars of trust that support the bridge between livestreamers and protesters.

Engaging the Apprehensive

Addressing the concerns of those apprehensive about livestreamers requires empathy and openness. I encourage people to engage with me, validate that impulse to scrutinize anyone with a camera, and try to discuss their concerns while offering transparency through accessible information about my past work. The reality of modern surveillance is that cameras in public spaces are ubiquitous, but the intent behind them varies greatly. A blanket ban on the few cameras we control only serves to monopolize surveillance in favor of the opposition, eliminating the potential for sympathetic coverage where it’s needed most. The footage we provide counters the silence, and often outright fabrications, of traditional media, ensuring that the magnitude of the movement is seen and acknowledged.

Advice for Aspiring Livestreamers

For those considering stepping into the role of a protest livestreamer, I wrote this article for you, so I could offer this advice: approach this endeavor with the seriousness it deserves. Understand the weight of the responsibility you’re undertaking. Engage with the community—your reputation as a responsible livestreamer is built through genuine connections. Respect is the currency of trust—earn it. Be prepared to step back when asked, and use your platform to support the movement, not yourself. Always remind yourself: this is not about you. The protest ecosystem is perceptive, and your intentions will ultimately be revealed. Strive to be a force of symbiosis, contributing positively to the collective effort. And reject the parasitism of defensiveness and ego.

Collective Vigilance: The Shared Responsibility of Privacy Protection Within The Protest Ecosystem

When it comes to filming protests, the responsibility of maintaining privacy doesn’t fall on just one individual—it’s a joint effort. Both the press and the protester play integral roles in this shared endeavor, each with a part to play in upholding the veil of anonymity. It is a collective effort, a dance of mutual respect and understanding.

To the Protesters:

Your presence is a powerful statement. Your anonymity is a right. While I strive to keep my camera angle wide and my focus on the collective rather than the individual, your choice to take precautionary measures like wearing a mask is equally vital to protecting your identity. Together we form a pact, a silent agreement to guard the personal amidst the political, and create a safer space for expression.

To My Fellow Livestreamers:

Be vigilant. Our coverage can shape the discourse and impact the course of social movements. It is our duty to approach this role with integrity, to act with intention, and to always prioritize the message over the medium. We must be many things at once: guardians of anonymity, sentinels of the moment, custodians of truth in an era where truth is far too easily obscured. We record the real story, the people’s history, as it unfolds. Working within these spaces is a privilege, not a right. With this privilege comes the imperative to be ever-watchful, to anticipate and act in the interest of those we document. Let us be meticulous in our craft, always prioritizing the well-being of those in front of the lens. And let us always carry this mantle with honor and ensure that our cameras are beacons of light in the pursuit of justice.

To the Observers:

Understand the gravity of what you witness. These images are snapshots of bravery, of vulnerability, and they demand respect. Acknowledge that behind each image lies a person, a story, a desire for change. Respect the trust embedded in every broadcast, and recognize the shared responsibility we hold in preserving the integrity of the protest and the privacy of its participants. It is the cornerstone upon which the trust between press and protester is built, and upon which the narrative of the protest is safely told. And in this shared responsibility lies the strength of the people.