Ron Deibert
@rondeibert.bsky.social
Director of The Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
Author of Chasing Shadows https://chasingshadowsbook.ca/
Author of Chasing Shadows https://chasingshadowsbook.ca/
Pinned
Ron Deibert
@rondeibert.bsky.social
· Oct 8
We Say You Want a Revolution: PRISONBREAK - An AI-Enabled Influence Operation Aimed at Overthrowing the Iranian Regime - The Citizen Lab
We investigate a coordinated network of inauthentic X accounts that is spreading AI-generated content to induce revolt in Iran. The network has been active since 2023, but increased activity during th...
citizenlab.ca
NEW @citizenlab.ca report (10/02/25)
We uncovered a network of more than 50 inauthentic X profiles conducting an AI-enabled IO whose aim was to foment revolt in Iran We assess the Israeli gov, or a private contractor under its direction, is likely responsible
citizenlab.ca/2025/10/ai-e...
We uncovered a network of more than 50 inauthentic X profiles conducting an AI-enabled IO whose aim was to foment revolt in Iran We assess the Israeli gov, or a private contractor under its direction, is likely responsible
citizenlab.ca/2025/10/ai-e...
Reposted by Ron Deibert
Nearly a year has passed since Assad’s regime collapsed. Disinformation has only intensified, shaping public opinion and deepening uncertainty.
Back in January, I explored this in an article with @timep.bsky.social
The patterns I described remain active in post-Assad Syria today. #Disinformation
Back in January, I explored this in an article with @timep.bsky.social
The patterns I described remain active in post-Assad Syria today. #Disinformation
Disinformation is fueling fear and division in Syria’s new political landscape. In this earlier piece, @noura.bsky.social breaks down the emergent trends in disinformation in Syria as well as the actors and tactics shaping the narrative.
timep.org/2025/01/30/t...
timep.org/2025/01/30/t...
Truth in Transition: Disinformation in Post-Assad Syria
Disinformation fuels fear and division in Syria’s new political landscape, eroding trust and blocking the path to a peaceful political transition.
timep.org
November 22, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Nearly a year has passed since Assad’s regime collapsed. Disinformation has only intensified, shaping public opinion and deepening uncertainty.
Back in January, I explored this in an article with @timep.bsky.social
The patterns I described remain active in post-Assad Syria today. #Disinformation
Back in January, I explored this in an article with @timep.bsky.social
The patterns I described remain active in post-Assad Syria today. #Disinformation
A judge issued a permanent injunction against NSO Group targeting WhatsApp.
Now, NSO Group is petitioning for that to be overturned, saying it would prevent them from doing business in the USA, which they desperately want
cyberscoop.com/nso-group-wh...
Now, NSO Group is petitioning for that to be overturned, saying it would prevent them from doing business in the USA, which they desperately want
cyberscoop.com/nso-group-wh...
NSO Group argues WhatsApp injunction threatens existence, future U.S. government work
The spyware vendor made those two arguments, among others, in a motion to stay the California court ruling.
cyberscoop.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:58 PM
A judge issued a permanent injunction against NSO Group targeting WhatsApp.
Now, NSO Group is petitioning for that to be overturned, saying it would prevent them from doing business in the USA, which they desperately want
cyberscoop.com/nso-group-wh...
Now, NSO Group is petitioning for that to be overturned, saying it would prevent them from doing business in the USA, which they desperately want
cyberscoop.com/nso-group-wh...
US border patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers in a secretive program to identify & detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious
The predictive intelligence program has resulted in people being stopped, searched and in some cases arrested.
apnews.com/article/immi...
The predictive intelligence program has resulted in people being stopped, searched and in some cases arrested.
apnews.com/article/immi...
Border Patrol is monitoring US drivers and detaining those with 'suspicious' travel patterns
The U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide in a secretive program to identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious.
apnews.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:51 PM
US border patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers in a secretive program to identify & detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious
The predictive intelligence program has resulted in people being stopped, searched and in some cases arrested.
apnews.com/article/immi...
The predictive intelligence program has resulted in people being stopped, searched and in some cases arrested.
apnews.com/article/immi...
Reposted by Ron Deibert
Join us next week for an interesting conversation on WPS and digital authoritarianism.
Join us on Nov 26 to explore how gender, technology, and authoritarianism intersect to shape women’s participation in peace and security.
Get info & register: citizenlab.ca/2025/11/webi...
@amnesty.org @sheassociates.bsky.social @mmichae1sen.bsky.social @noura.bsky.social @sanstis.bsky.social
Get info & register: citizenlab.ca/2025/11/webi...
@amnesty.org @sheassociates.bsky.social @mmichae1sen.bsky.social @noura.bsky.social @sanstis.bsky.social
November 19, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Join us next week for an interesting conversation on WPS and digital authoritarianism.
Absolutely vile
Trump suggests Khashoggi had it coming: "You're mentioning someone that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen. But he knew nothing about it. You don't have to embarrass our guest."
November 18, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Absolutely vile
Reposted by Ron Deibert
On Dec 11, tune in for @rondeibert.bsky.social's conversation w/ @signal.org president @meredithmeredith.bsky.social about the critical lessons learned from the Signalgate scandal at @financialtimes.com #FTGlobalBoardroom conference.
Learn more: globalboardroom.ft.com/agenda/sessi...
Learn more: globalboardroom.ft.com/agenda/sessi...
November 17, 2025 at 10:19 PM
On Dec 11, tune in for @rondeibert.bsky.social's conversation w/ @signal.org president @meredithmeredith.bsky.social about the critical lessons learned from the Signalgate scandal at @financialtimes.com #FTGlobalBoardroom conference.
Learn more: globalboardroom.ft.com/agenda/sessi...
Learn more: globalboardroom.ft.com/agenda/sessi...
What's ChatGPT?
Intimate by design and highly invasive.
Dispensing dubious health, legal, psychological and other advice to vulnerable people without license.
A corporate black box of personally identifiable data, shared with governments upon request.
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
Intimate by design and highly invasive.
Dispensing dubious health, legal, psychological and other advice to vulnerable people without license.
A corporate black box of personally identifiable data, shared with governments upon request.
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
We analyzed 47,000 ChatGPT conversations. Here’s what people really use it for.
What do people ask the popular chatbot? We analyzed thousands of chats to identify common topics discussed by users and patterns in ChatGPT’s responses.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:32 PM
What's ChatGPT?
Intimate by design and highly invasive.
Dispensing dubious health, legal, psychological and other advice to vulnerable people without license.
A corporate black box of personally identifiable data, shared with governments upon request.
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
Intimate by design and highly invasive.
Dispensing dubious health, legal, psychological and other advice to vulnerable people without license.
A corporate black box of personally identifiable data, shared with governments upon request.
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...
A firm that sells extraordinarily powerful phone hacking technology that has been demonstrably connected to widespread harms worldwide, including gruesome murder, and was properly sanctioned and held liable because of it
....is now in the hands of these people.
That's Bad News, everyone.
....is now in the hands of these people.
That's Bad News, everyone.
Former Trump official appointed exec chairman of spyware company NSO Group. David Friedman previously served as Trump's ambassador to Israel + before that was a bankruptcy lawyer for the president. NSO was recently acquired by investors led by a Hollywood producer therecord.media/former-trump...
Former Trump official named NSO Group executive chairman
NSO Group announced Friedman’s appointment on Sunday, saying that NSO’s three founders no longer have any stake in the firm.
therecord.media
November 11, 2025 at 4:55 AM
A firm that sells extraordinarily powerful phone hacking technology that has been demonstrably connected to widespread harms worldwide, including gruesome murder, and was properly sanctioned and held liable because of it
....is now in the hands of these people.
That's Bad News, everyone.
....is now in the hands of these people.
That's Bad News, everyone.
Bad news for human rights and national security, no matter how you spin it
NSO Group has a new executive chairman, David Friedman, who's a former U.S. ambassador to Israel and onetime bankruptcy lawyer for President Trump.
www.wsj.com/tech/israeli... via @WSJ
NSO Group has a new executive chairman, David Friedman, who's a former U.S. ambassador to Israel and onetime bankruptcy lawyer for President Trump.
www.wsj.com/tech/israeli... via @WSJ
Israeli Spyware Maker NSO Gets New Owners, Leadership and Seeks to Mend Reputation
Investors led by Hollywood producer Robert Simonds have taken a controlling stake in the company behind Pegasus, and former Trump official David Friedman has been named executive chairman.
www.wsj.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Bad news for human rights and national security, no matter how you spin it
NSO Group has a new executive chairman, David Friedman, who's a former U.S. ambassador to Israel and onetime bankruptcy lawyer for President Trump.
www.wsj.com/tech/israeli... via @WSJ
NSO Group has a new executive chairman, David Friedman, who's a former U.S. ambassador to Israel and onetime bankruptcy lawyer for President Trump.
www.wsj.com/tech/israeli... via @WSJ
Reposted by Ron Deibert
NEW: Paragon spyware hit a key Italian campaign manager / political strategist.
Super concerning case & a reminder that Italy has a growing pile of unexplained infections with Paragon's Graphite spyware.
Super concerning case & a reminder that Italy has a growing pile of unexplained infections with Paragon's Graphite spyware.
NEW: The Paragon spyware scandal in Italy widens again.
A political consultant who works with left-wing politicians, who are part of the opposition party Partito Democratico, has now come out as the latest target.
"It is time to ask a very simple question: Why? Why me?" Francesco Nicodemos said.
A political consultant who works with left-wing politicians, who are part of the opposition party Partito Democratico, has now come out as the latest target.
"It is time to ask a very simple question: Why? Why me?" Francesco Nicodemos said.
Italian political consultant says he was targeted with Paragon spyware | TechCrunch
WhatsApp notified the consultant, who works for left-wing politicians, that his phone was targeted with spyware made by Paragon.
techcrunch.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:03 PM
NEW: Paragon spyware hit a key Italian campaign manager / political strategist.
Super concerning case & a reminder that Italy has a growing pile of unexplained infections with Paragon's Graphite spyware.
Super concerning case & a reminder that Italy has a growing pile of unexplained infections with Paragon's Graphite spyware.
Reposted by Ron Deibert
EFF was created for scary moments like the one we’re facing now. For 35 years, EFF has fought to ensure your rights follow you online and wherever you use technology. Join us today: supporters.eff.org/donate/tbc
Defend Privacy and Free Speech
Don’t let tyrants co-opt tech. Join EFF and help fight back.
supporters.eff.org
November 5, 2025 at 12:03 AM
EFF was created for scary moments like the one we’re facing now. For 35 years, EFF has fought to ensure your rights follow you online and wherever you use technology. Join us today: supporters.eff.org/donate/tbc
Reposted by Ron Deibert
“It’s astonishing how the industry is able to experiment on human populations with such far-reaching technology and largely unrestrained.”
Citizen Lab director @rondeibert.bsky.social discusses the ethical risks of AI in an interview with the @financialpost.com.
financialpost.com/technology/c...
Citizen Lab director @rondeibert.bsky.social discusses the ethical risks of AI in an interview with the @financialpost.com.
financialpost.com/technology/c...
Canada isn't doing its part to stop AI government surveillance, UofT director says
Ronald Deibert says the ability of governments and criminal actors to surveil and target people is growing in scope thanks to AI. Read more.
financialpost.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:38 PM
“It’s astonishing how the industry is able to experiment on human populations with such far-reaching technology and largely unrestrained.”
Citizen Lab director @rondeibert.bsky.social discusses the ethical risks of AI in an interview with the @financialpost.com.
financialpost.com/technology/c...
Citizen Lab director @rondeibert.bsky.social discusses the ethical risks of AI in an interview with the @financialpost.com.
financialpost.com/technology/c...
Along with numerous orgs and individuals, I have signed on to an Open Letter to the 🇨🇦 Minister of AI raising serious concerns about the government's approach to AI strategy.
Details are here 👇
bccla.org/policy-submi...
Details are here 👇
bccla.org/policy-submi...
OPEN LETTER to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation from civil society organizations and individuals opposing "National Sprint" consultation on AI strategy - BC Civil Liberti...
The Honourable Mélanie JolyMinister of IndustryHouse of CommonsOttawa, OntarioK1A 0A6 The Honourable Evan SolomonMinister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital InnovationHouse of CommonsOttawa, Ontar...
bccla.org
November 3, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Along with numerous orgs and individuals, I have signed on to an Open Letter to the 🇨🇦 Minister of AI raising serious concerns about the government's approach to AI strategy.
Details are here 👇
bccla.org/policy-submi...
Details are here 👇
bccla.org/policy-submi...
Everyone is talking about AI. It's obviously having a transformative impact across all sectors of society.
So how should the Canadian government approach it?
My interview with Yvonne Lau for the @financialpost.com
financialpost.com/technology/c...
So how should the Canadian government approach it?
My interview with Yvonne Lau for the @financialpost.com
financialpost.com/technology/c...
Canada isn't doing its part to stop AI government surveillance, UofT director says
Ronald Deibert says the ability of governments and criminal actors to surveil and target people is growing in scope thanks to AI. Read more.
financialpost.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Everyone is talking about AI. It's obviously having a transformative impact across all sectors of society.
So how should the Canadian government approach it?
My interview with Yvonne Lau for the @financialpost.com
financialpost.com/technology/c...
So how should the Canadian government approach it?
My interview with Yvonne Lau for the @financialpost.com
financialpost.com/technology/c...
Toronto: I'll be giving a talk about my book Chasing Shadows at Hot Docs theatre this coming Sunday November 2nd.
Details here: hotdocs.ca/whats-on/fil...
Hope to see you there
Details here: hotdocs.ca/whats-on/fil...
Hope to see you there
Ronald J. Deibert: Chasing Shadows | Hot Docs
In this real-life spy thriller, cyber security expert Ronald Deibert uncovers the unseemly marketplace for high-tech surveillance, professional disinformation, and computerized malfeasance.
hotdocs.ca
October 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Toronto: I'll be giving a talk about my book Chasing Shadows at Hot Docs theatre this coming Sunday November 2nd.
Details here: hotdocs.ca/whats-on/fil...
Hope to see you there
Details here: hotdocs.ca/whats-on/fil...
Hope to see you there
What can you do to better protect yourself in the Age of TechnoFascism?
If you're asking this question, I highly recommend this talk and post by @micahflee.com 👇
micahflee.com/practical-de...
If you're asking this question, I highly recommend this talk and post by @micahflee.com 👇
micahflee.com/practical-de...
Practical Defenses Against Technofascism
I gave the Saturday morning keynote at BSidesPDX! I spoke honestly and frankly about the terrifying reality that Americans are facing under Trump's fascist regime, alongside practical advice for commu...
micahflee.com
October 26, 2025 at 3:10 PM
What can you do to better protect yourself in the Age of TechnoFascism?
If you're asking this question, I highly recommend this talk and post by @micahflee.com 👇
micahflee.com/practical-de...
If you're asking this question, I highly recommend this talk and post by @micahflee.com 👇
micahflee.com/practical-de...
The situation in the United States has become very dark, and will get a whole lot darker if trends continue.
The entire world, and Americans who get it, need to wake up, and work together to contain and reverse what is going on, before it's too late. Time is running out.
The entire world, and Americans who get it, need to wake up, and work together to contain and reverse what is going on, before it's too late. Time is running out.
Stephen Miller on Fox threatens to arrest JB Pritzker for "seditious conspiracy" and says, "to all ICE officers: you have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties. And anybody who lays a hand on you or tries to stop or obstruct you is committing a felony."
October 25, 2025 at 4:34 AM
The situation in the United States has become very dark, and will get a whole lot darker if trends continue.
The entire world, and Americans who get it, need to wake up, and work together to contain and reverse what is going on, before it's too late. Time is running out.
The entire world, and Americans who get it, need to wake up, and work together to contain and reverse what is going on, before it's too late. Time is running out.
Good to see some accountability in 🇵🇱
Former Polish official indicted; Illegally transferred money from a fund meant for victims of online abuse to purchase mercenary spyware
And then target (as we @citizenlab.ca uncovered) political oppositions' phones
therecord.media/former-polis...
Former Polish official indicted; Illegally transferred money from a fund meant for victims of online abuse to purchase mercenary spyware
And then target (as we @citizenlab.ca uncovered) political oppositions' phones
therecord.media/former-polis...
Former Polish official indicted over spyware purchase
Michał Woś faces a possible 10-year prison sentence for facilitating a spyware purchase, which prosecutors say took place in 2017.
therecord.media
October 24, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Good to see some accountability in 🇵🇱
Former Polish official indicted; Illegally transferred money from a fund meant for victims of online abuse to purchase mercenary spyware
And then target (as we @citizenlab.ca uncovered) political oppositions' phones
therecord.media/former-polis...
Former Polish official indicted; Illegally transferred money from a fund meant for victims of online abuse to purchase mercenary spyware
And then target (as we @citizenlab.ca uncovered) political oppositions' phones
therecord.media/former-polis...
"There are 700,000 points covering 160 countries on this map. Each one represents a cell phone that was tracked at a specific place in time. Some phones are tracked multiple times over the course of an hour or day or week..."
revealnews.org/podcast/cell...
revealnews.org/podcast/cell...
A young reporter discovers a mysterious trove of data that exposes a global surveillance empire.
In a major investigation, a young reporter uncovers a powerful technology used to spy on thousands of people across the world.
revealnews.org
October 19, 2025 at 9:43 PM
"There are 700,000 points covering 160 countries on this map. Each one represents a cell phone that was tracked at a specific place in time. Some phones are tracked multiple times over the course of an hour or day or week..."
revealnews.org/podcast/cell...
revealnews.org/podcast/cell...
American enshittification
Trump posts AI video showing him literally dumping shit on America
October 19, 2025 at 12:36 PM
American enshittification
I am very honoured to be awarded the Simon Fraser University's Sterling Prize in Support of Controversy
On behalf of all of my colleagues @citizenlab.ca and our partners around the world thank you for this recognition of our work
youtu.be/41wkXFyEsP8?...
On behalf of all of my colleagues @citizenlab.ca and our partners around the world thank you for this recognition of our work
youtu.be/41wkXFyEsP8?...
2025 SFU Sterling Prize recipient Ronald J. Deibert protects privacy in the age of cyber espionage
YouTube video by Simon Fraser University
youtu.be
October 15, 2025 at 6:06 PM
I am very honoured to be awarded the Simon Fraser University's Sterling Prize in Support of Controversy
On behalf of all of my colleagues @citizenlab.ca and our partners around the world thank you for this recognition of our work
youtu.be/41wkXFyEsP8?...
On behalf of all of my colleagues @citizenlab.ca and our partners around the world thank you for this recognition of our work
youtu.be/41wkXFyEsP8?...
All gas, no brakes
October 15, 2025 at 3:14 PM
All gas, no brakes
Exhibit A for why proper oversight is essential
Canada's 🇨🇦 CSIS mischaracterized its use of undisclosed secret surveillance tech. Report is heavily redacted but...
The technology introduced “a significant expansion of collection capabilities and operational risks.”
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
Canada's 🇨🇦 CSIS mischaracterized its use of undisclosed secret surveillance tech. Report is heavily redacted but...
The technology introduced “a significant expansion of collection capabilities and operational risks.”
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
CSIS lacked proper policies, procedures to manage new secret technology: spy watchdog
A newly released spy watchdog report says the Canadian Security Intelligence Service lacked adequate policies and procedures to manage a secret technology for collecting information.
www.ctvnews.ca
October 15, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Exhibit A for why proper oversight is essential
Canada's 🇨🇦 CSIS mischaracterized its use of undisclosed secret surveillance tech. Report is heavily redacted but...
The technology introduced “a significant expansion of collection capabilities and operational risks.”
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
Canada's 🇨🇦 CSIS mischaracterized its use of undisclosed secret surveillance tech. Report is heavily redacted but...
The technology introduced “a significant expansion of collection capabilities and operational risks.”
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
The surveillance empire that tracked world leaders, a Vatican enemy, and maybe you www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
A stunning investigation by @lighthousereports.com of what I call "despotism as a service"👇
A stunning investigation by @lighthousereports.com of what I call "despotism as a service"👇
The surveillance empire that tracked world leaders, a Vatican enemy, and maybe you
We uncovered a massive data trove. It revealed the hidden world of First Wap, whose untraceable tech has targeted politicians, journalists, celebrities, and activists around the globe.
www.motherjones.com
October 14, 2025 at 3:27 PM
The surveillance empire that tracked world leaders, a Vatican enemy, and maybe you www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
A stunning investigation by @lighthousereports.com of what I call "despotism as a service"👇
A stunning investigation by @lighthousereports.com of what I call "despotism as a service"👇
For over a decade, we @citizenlab.ca have documented extensive abuse of NSO Group's spyware, including being used to target political opposition, journalists, activists, human rights defenders and US govt officials.
*This sale should not be permitted*
techcrunch.com/2025/10/10/s...
*This sale should not be permitted*
techcrunch.com/2025/10/10/s...
Spyware maker NSO Group confirms acquisition by US investors | TechCrunch
NSO Group confirmed to TechCrunch that an unnamed group of American investors has taken “controlling ownership” of the surveillance tech maker.
techcrunch.com
October 10, 2025 at 4:26 PM
For over a decade, we @citizenlab.ca have documented extensive abuse of NSO Group's spyware, including being used to target political opposition, journalists, activists, human rights defenders and US govt officials.
*This sale should not be permitted*
techcrunch.com/2025/10/10/s...
*This sale should not be permitted*
techcrunch.com/2025/10/10/s...