DHS Is Using Secret Subpoenas to Unmask Anonymous Critics — No Judge Required
“Administrative subpoenas” don’t need judicial approval. DHS is using them to identify anonymous social media accounts.
What You Walk Away With
How DHS unmasks anonymous accounts without a warrant. How to actually stay anonymous. Plus 4 ways to profit from privacy panic.
Why This Matters
- “Administrative subpoenas” bypass judges entirely — DHS issues them unilaterally
Targets include accounts documenting government operations- VPN alone won’t save you — they subpoena the platforms directly
📰 What Actually Happened
The tool: “Administrative subpoenas” — DHS can demand user data from tech companies without judicial review.
What they demand: Names, IP addresses, emails, account creation dates, payment info — anything that identifies you.
Who’s targeted: Accounts documenting ICE operations, anonymous critics of administration policies, anyone DHS deems “of interest.”
The gap: No judge reviews if requests are justified. No probable cause required. Companies often comply quietly.
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Cool. Feds Can Unmask Anyone. What's MY Move?
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The “Anonymous Account Setup” Service
- People WANT anonymity but don’t know how → offer setup service for truly anonymous accounts
- Tor + anonymous email + clean device = actually anonymous
Example: Privacy consultant in Germany charges €50 to set up “government-proof” social accounts for journalists. 15+ clients/month since this news. -
The “Burner Phone” Reseller
- Cash-bought prepaid phones = no identity link → source them cheap, sell at premium with “setup guide”
- Target journalists, activists, whistleblowers
Example: Someone in Mexico buys prepaid phones for 200 pesos, sells “pre-configured anonymous devices” for 800 pesos ($45) with Tor pre-installed. -
The “OPSEC Training” Content
- Create video course teaching operational security → sell to privacy-conscious audiences
- Journalists, activists, researchers all need this
Example: Security researcher in Brazil sells “Digital Anonymity Masterclass” for $39. 200+ students. Marketed through privacy-focused Telegram groups. -
The “Warrant Canary” Service
- Help small platforms implement warrant canaries → recurring consulting fee
- Legal way to signal when government requests happen
Example: Lawyer in Canada helps small tech companies set up warrant canary systems. $500 setup + $100/month monitoring. 12 clients.
Too Long, What’s the Move?
DHS can unmask anonymous accounts without a judge. VPN isn’t enough — they subpoena the platform. Offer “anonymous account setup” services to journalists and activists. €50/setup, real demand.
Source: Ars Technica
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