Spying, hacking, surveillance are not going away anytime soon. Drowning your phone and fleeing to North Korea for good will not help.

Unfortunately many solutions that seem to give helpful information are too technical and even if they weren’t, surveillance systems have become so sophisticated that all an intruder needs is your device having a functional microphone, camera and keyboard. The rest are bonus features that only can be used against a target such as ability to take screenshots, connection to the internet and phone networks.

In this era of inter-connectivity, where laptops are connected to phones, phones are connected to access control systems and so on, it’s extremely hard to consistently follow up with the fast changing cyber security landscape. The fragmented mobile OS eco-systems don’t help either; there is literally an app for every whim you’ll possibly ever have. Surveillance apps, anti-surveillance apps, secure texts and calls apps, texts and calls sniffers and a whole lot of paradoxical offerings. In short: It’s overwhelming.

1. Stay off WhatsApp and Facebook and Twitter, heck, everything prefixed bysocial something

Well, severing ties with communication channels is quintessentially the same as going back to the days of caveman. But the brutal truth is the obsession with using WhatsApp and the like is what Bertrand Russell called giving a man a mask and him spilling everything without fear. WhatsApp, especially, is the poster child for secure end to end real time communication. Should the authorities file a warrant to have your data looked into, WhatsApp will unveil your mask faster than Google loads its homepage. In fact, a recent report implicated WhatsApp for its wistfulness and failure to protect data in front of spying Goliaths.

Structurally, the most important thing about social networks or any other network is that each individual is at its centre. In some sort of customized bubble, and this bubble can be burst by anybody who has the technical capability to do so; hackers and spies. As a matter of fact, privacy has become a concept we used to know all thanks to narcissism. For every new social platform that pops up there is a multiplier spillover effect to our levels of narcissism. Don’t get some people started on selfies, please don’t. It’s as if their faces come with Instagram filters. And for the first person essays with “I” in the titles, the self-love is in overdrive. Even for someone with no technical expertise, they could arguably discern your mood and character at a quick glance. In all this you’re a pawn in pursuit of your adversaries’ malicious activities.

2. Stay away from public wifi

The best things in life are free. In the same vein, FREE public wifi is the truth . Whereas the news that these networks could possibly be compromised is not new. There are over a billion smartphone holders in the world, in Kampala, a tiny fraction, about 700,000 smartphone holders scour the metropolitan for the most convenient wifi spots. They know which one allows torrents, which one allows video streaming and which one is fastest. Be it at a coffee shop, library, restaurant, university, they know the spots.

The good news is that some public wifi networks are more protected than others, they have encryption and adhere to standards for safe data transfer. But still, with exception of a few, anything online can be broken into. There was a scintillating demonstration in Amsterdam last year where a hacker was taken to a café and, in 20 minutes, he knew where everyone else was born, what schools they attended, and the last five things they had googled. He alleged that all it took for one to pull off a similar hack was a dirt cheap intercepting device, a little patience and an average IQ, which almost any willing person is capable of.

Consider tethering on your own data plan, but where need be, use public wifi with moderation. Desist sharing private information such as credit card details. And use of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) too, they help in encrypting data on wireless networks.

3. There will come a time when it isn’t ‘They’re spying on me through my phone’ anymore. Eventually, it will be ‘My phone is spying on me.’ – Philip K. Dick

Yes, plus your smart TV, your smart washing machine. Generally your whole ensemble of smart everything you collectively love to taut as the internet of things (IoT). As Michael Price posited in an enraged article, be wary of that new “smart” TV, which promises to deliver streaming multimedia content, games, apps, social media and Internet browsing. Oh, and TV too. The amount of data this thing collects is staggering; it has an in-built camera, with facial recognition of course, which enables “gesture control” and other cool features like logging in by just showing your face to the TV. However, all the images it saves are uploaded to some remote server of some faceless corporation X which wants to serve you more and more Adverts.

Worse yet, the telescreen comes with an in-built microphone, which again promises to better the user experience by allowing you to issue voice commands, perhaps scream commands at it too. But the service comes with a rather ominous warning: “Please be aware that if your spoken words include personal or other sensitive information, that information will be among the data captured and transmitted to a third party.” Got that? Don’t say personal or sensitive stuff in front of the TV.

The caveat is that such personal information is sensitive and should not be covertly transmitted to third parties without constitutional warrants. Which, clearly in this case, are demurred.

4. Follow your gut

This is what psychologists call listening to your heart. When you have this feeling that someone has stretched their necks and they’re leering right at every step you take, then there are high chances that the giraffes are actually at work. The aura about intuition is that it’s oft right. Even if it was wrong, the preventive measures taken are usually worth it in the long run. Only the paranoid survive.

5. Use select apps

Usage of applications that promise bulletproof protection is simply hogwash. There is nothing like foolproof on the internet. However, there are some applications that add a thick layer of skin. By the time this layer is penetrated, you’ll have noticed and taken due measures. In this game of thrones, the counter culture is to strengthen the defensive, as they strengthen their offensive. Mashable has a great list of applications that can help you to stay safe online. In the same light, this Huffington post has great tips to help you circumvent surveillance.

It’s imperative, however, that one learns the rhetoric behind this whole thing; spying and hacking alike. The perpetrators mostly use system/device exploits and social engineering as tactics of choice. In summary exploits are vulnerabilities that exist in software or hardware that hackers use to afflict damage. Social engineering, in a stark contrast, is simply conning someone into handing over information vital for key access to their data. This manipulation can be in form of, for example, spear phishing, where one is duped into giving their social media log-in credentials using a fake page but with similar behaviour and feel as the original.

As it boils down, much as governments and state agencies are most interested in intercepting your private communications, majorly for the greater good of security, suspicious lovers, and malicious partners are also on the fore. For dimwitted hackers aka crackers, who may not necessarily want to gain economically, will try to break into your inboxes or voice relay channels just for the sake of it.

The most notorious ones, arguably, are the Mr. X giant corporations that have devised all cunning ways possible to track us; through cookies and beacons. And we fall for these, thinking that they’re food, tasty and yummy. But alas! They’re adverts.

Addendum: How to protect yourself for unethical and illegal spying

Image: Cropped Image from Matter on Medium

Daniel Mwesigwa is a curious mind at the intersection of technology, media, and politics. Passionate about emerging trends and critical thinking, he’s known for cutting through noise—calling out conspiracy theories when they don’t hold up. When he’s not writing or analyzing the digital world, Daniel enjoys listening to music and playing soccer.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

  • SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
  • Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
  • Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
  • Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

  • CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
  • MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
  • MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
  • TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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