When the physicists need burner phones, that’s when you know America’s changed

>>At international academic conferences recently, one sees an interesting trend. Some American participants are travelling with “burner” phones or have minimalist laptops running browsers and not much else. In other words, they are equipped with the same kind of kit that security-conscious people used to bring 15 years ago when travelling to China.<<

#JohnNaughton #TheGuardian #USA #USPol #Research #Oppression #Authoritarianism
theguardian.com/us-news/2025/m…

When the physicists need burner phones, that’s when you know America’s changed

US academics, fearing persecution by their own government, are becoming ideological refugees. Europe, and Britain, must offer them sanctuary

^{John Naughton (The Guardian)}