The Citizen Lab
@citizenlab.ca
Research and development at the intersection of cyberspace, global security, and human rights. Based at Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto.
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The Citizen Lab
@citizenlab.ca
· Nov 17
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Women, Technology, and Peacemaking: 25 Years After UNSCR 1325. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, a landmark resolution recognizing women’s crucial role in peacemaking, conflict prevention, and post-confli...
munkschool-utoronto-ca.zoom.us
WEBINAR 👉 Join us for a timely conversation on how digital repression and surveillance are reshaping women’s participation in peacebuilding and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
🗓️ Nov 26 at 9:30 am ET / 3:30 pm CET
📍Online
🔗 Register: munkschool-utoronto-ca.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
🗓️ Nov 26 at 9:30 am ET / 3:30 pm CET
📍Online
🔗 Register: munkschool-utoronto-ca.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
NEW Citizen Lab website just launched! See what's new at citizenlab.ca
The Citizen Lab - The Citizen Lab
The Citizen Lab is an interdisciplinary research unit at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto. We apply our collective expertise in the fields of law, computer scie...
citizenlab.ca
January 14, 2026 at 6:54 PM
NEW Citizen Lab website just launched! See what's new at citizenlab.ca
New article by Citizen Lab senior legal advisor @sanstis.bsky.social 👉 "Civil society and access to justice: challenges of seeking remedy in the global fight against spyware"
Read it here: www-tandfonline-com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/doi/full/10....
Read it here: www-tandfonline-com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/doi/full/10....
www-tandfonline-com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca
January 6, 2026 at 5:43 PM
New article by Citizen Lab senior legal advisor @sanstis.bsky.social 👉 "Civil society and access to justice: challenges of seeking remedy in the global fight against spyware"
Read it here: www-tandfonline-com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/doi/full/10....
Read it here: www-tandfonline-com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/doi/full/10....
Citizen Lab director @rondeibert.bsky.social speaks with @technologyreview.com about the Lab’s work, noting that “the type of research that we pioneered is under threat like never before.”
www.technologyreview.com/2025/12/24/1...
www.technologyreview.com/2025/12/24/1...
Meet the man hunting the spies in your smartphone
Ronald Deibert and his research group, the Citizen Lab, have rigorously worked to unveil alarming digital threats for the past two decades. Now, he warns, this kind of work is under threat.
www.technologyreview.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Citizen Lab director @rondeibert.bsky.social speaks with @technologyreview.com about the Lab’s work, noting that “the type of research that we pioneered is under threat like never before.”
www.technologyreview.com/2025/12/24/1...
www.technologyreview.com/2025/12/24/1...
Reposted by The Citizen Lab
Belarusian KGB put spyware on phones of detained journalist.
Growing list of cases where authoritarian regimes use detention to implant spyware on phones:
🦠Belarus
🦠Kenya
🦠Serbia
And likely plenty more.
Important investigation & reminder that dictators don't always need zero-days.
Growing list of cases where authoritarian regimes use detention to implant spyware on phones:
🦠Belarus
🦠Kenya
🦠Serbia
And likely plenty more.
Important investigation & reminder that dictators don't always need zero-days.
#Belarus: RSF reveals the existence of a previously unknown spyware tool, used since at least 2021 by the KGB against journalists. Installed after the physical confiscation of phones, #ResidentBat constitutes a grave violation of press freedom. RSF calls for a ban on these surveillance technologies.
Exclusive: RSF uncovers new spyware from Belarus
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)’s Digital Security Lab (DSL), working with the Eastern European organisation RESIDENT.NGO, has uncovered a previously unknown spyware tool used by the State Security Co...
rsf.org
December 17, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Belarusian KGB put spyware on phones of detained journalist.
Growing list of cases where authoritarian regimes use detention to implant spyware on phones:
🦠Belarus
🦠Kenya
🦠Serbia
And likely plenty more.
Important investigation & reminder that dictators don't always need zero-days.
Growing list of cases where authoritarian regimes use detention to implant spyware on phones:
🦠Belarus
🦠Kenya
🦠Serbia
And likely plenty more.
Important investigation & reminder that dictators don't always need zero-days.
Reposted by The Citizen Lab
An excellent & very disturbing overview of the scope & scale of domestic surveillance systems deployed in the US 🇺🇸 by @peter.andringa.me @financialtimes.com 👇
Ostensibly for deportation, these can (& likely are) being fine-tuned for deployment on critics of the Trump regime -- a chilling prospect
Ostensibly for deportation, these can (& likely are) being fine-tuned for deployment on critics of the Trump regime -- a chilling prospect
NEW: We took a deep dive into ICE's data dragnet: the data brokers, biometrics tools, and license plate readers powering Trump's deportation effort. Some of the contracts are for tools previous administrations deemed too intrusive.
Trump’s immigration data dragnet
The US is pulling in vast amounts of personal information in its drive to deport 1mn people this year
ig.ft.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:35 PM
An excellent & very disturbing overview of the scope & scale of domestic surveillance systems deployed in the US 🇺🇸 by @peter.andringa.me @financialtimes.com 👇
Ostensibly for deportation, these can (& likely are) being fine-tuned for deployment on critics of the Trump regime -- a chilling prospect
Ostensibly for deportation, these can (& likely are) being fine-tuned for deployment on critics of the Trump regime -- a chilling prospect
Reposted by The Citizen Lab
Add this one to the many other reasons why I've been declining invitations to attend anything in the United States.
U.S. 🇺🇸 Plans to Scrutinize Foreign Tourists’ Social Media History www.nytimes.com/2025/12/09/t...
U.S. 🇺🇸 Plans to Scrutinize Foreign Tourists’ Social Media History www.nytimes.com/2025/12/09/t...
U.S. Plans to Scrutinize Foreign Tourists’ Social Media History
www.nytimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Add this one to the many other reasons why I've been declining invitations to attend anything in the United States.
U.S. 🇺🇸 Plans to Scrutinize Foreign Tourists’ Social Media History www.nytimes.com/2025/12/09/t...
U.S. 🇺🇸 Plans to Scrutinize Foreign Tourists’ Social Media History www.nytimes.com/2025/12/09/t...
Today at 11 am ET: Senior research associate Kate Robertson will be testifying on Bill C-8 in the 🇨🇦 House of Commons SECU Committee Meeting.
Watch live: www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentView...
#cdnpoli
Watch live: www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentView...
#cdnpoli
December 4, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Today at 11 am ET: Senior research associate Kate Robertson will be testifying on Bill C-8 in the 🇨🇦 House of Commons SECU Committee Meeting.
Watch live: www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentView...
#cdnpoli
Watch live: www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentView...
#cdnpoli
New paper from @gabriellelim.bsky.social @noura.bsky.social et al. on the methodology of digital rights governance research and avoiding the “kitchen sink approach.”
Read it in Internet Policy Review: policyreview.info/articles/ana...
Read it in Internet Policy Review: policyreview.info/articles/ana...
Avoiding the kitchen sink: A guide to mixed methods approaches within digital rights governance
In this article, we performed a scoping review and argue that mixed or multi-method designs can better support collaboration when thoughtfully applied. However, indiscriminately combining methods with...
policyreview.info
November 28, 2025 at 2:13 PM
New paper from @gabriellelim.bsky.social @noura.bsky.social et al. on the methodology of digital rights governance research and avoiding the “kitchen sink approach.”
Read it in Internet Policy Review: policyreview.info/articles/ana...
Read it in Internet Policy Review: policyreview.info/articles/ana...
PODCAST: Senior fellow @cyn-k.bsky.social discusses the issues with Canada’s ‘national sprint’ on AI, calling it “a slap in the face to anyone who’s been harmed by these kinds of reckless approaches to technology.”
Listen to the episode here: rabble.ca/podcast/the-...
#cdnpoli
Listen to the episode here: rabble.ca/podcast/the-...
#cdnpoli
The AI hype-machine: Canada’s ill-advised ‘national sprint’ on artificial intelligence
Cynthia Khoo, Jeff Doctor and Hadrian Mertons-Kirkwood discuss the dangers of Canada’s accelerated approach to artificial intelligence.
rabble.ca
November 28, 2025 at 1:49 PM
PODCAST: Senior fellow @cyn-k.bsky.social discusses the issues with Canada’s ‘national sprint’ on AI, calling it “a slap in the face to anyone who’s been harmed by these kinds of reckless approaches to technology.”
Listen to the episode here: rabble.ca/podcast/the-...
#cdnpoli
Listen to the episode here: rabble.ca/podcast/the-...
#cdnpoli
AI is reshaping how we live, work, and communicate. But how will it change democracy?
On Dec 2 join #UofT's Bruce Schneier, Beth Coleman & @rondeibert.bsky.social for "Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship."
munkschool.utoronto.ca/event/rewiri...
On Dec 2 join #UofT's Bruce Schneier, Beth Coleman & @rondeibert.bsky.social for "Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship."
munkschool.utoronto.ca/event/rewiri...
November 27, 2025 at 7:05 PM
AI is reshaping how we live, work, and communicate. But how will it change democracy?
On Dec 2 join #UofT's Bruce Schneier, Beth Coleman & @rondeibert.bsky.social for "Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship."
munkschool.utoronto.ca/event/rewiri...
On Dec 2 join #UofT's Bruce Schneier, Beth Coleman & @rondeibert.bsky.social for "Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship."
munkschool.utoronto.ca/event/rewiri...
🔔 Upcoming webinar! Join us for a timely conversation on how #digitalrepression and #surveillance are reshaping women’s participation in peacebuilding and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Nov 26 @ 9:30 am ET
More info: citizenlab.ca/2025/11/webi...
Nov 26 @ 9:30 am ET
More info: citizenlab.ca/2025/11/webi...
Nov 26 | Women, Technology, and Peacemaking Webinar: 25 Years after UNSCR 1325 - The Citizen Lab
Join us for a timely conversation on how digital repression and surveillance are reshaping women’s participation in peacebuilding and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
citizenlab.ca
November 24, 2025 at 4:11 PM
🔔 Upcoming webinar! Join us for a timely conversation on how #digitalrepression and #surveillance are reshaping women’s participation in peacebuilding and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Nov 26 @ 9:30 am ET
More info: citizenlab.ca/2025/11/webi...
Nov 26 @ 9:30 am ET
More info: citizenlab.ca/2025/11/webi...
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 5:52 PM
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
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...
WEBINAR 👉 Join us for a timely conversation on how digital repression and surveillance are reshaping women’s participation in peacebuilding and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
🗓️ Nov 26 at 9:30 am ET / 3:30 pm CET
📍Online
🔗 Register: munkschool-utoronto-ca.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
🗓️ Nov 26 at 9:30 am ET / 3:30 pm CET
📍Online
🔗 Register: munkschool-utoronto-ca.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Women, Technology, and Peacemaking: 25 Years After UNSCR 1325. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, a landmark resolution recognizing women’s crucial role in peacemaking, conflict prevention, and post-confli...
munkschool-utoronto-ca.zoom.us
November 17, 2025 at 4:29 PM
WEBINAR 👉 Join us for a timely conversation on how digital repression and surveillance are reshaping women’s participation in peacebuilding and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
🗓️ Nov 26 at 9:30 am ET / 3:30 pm CET
📍Online
🔗 Register: munkschool-utoronto-ca.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
🗓️ Nov 26 at 9:30 am ET / 3:30 pm CET
📍Online
🔗 Register: munkschool-utoronto-ca.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
On Nov 18, Citizen Lab senior fellow @cyn-k.bsky.social will deliver a talk titled “Civil Rights and Modeling the AI Legislation We Need” at the Canadian Conference on AI Governance.
Learn more: www.eventbrite.ca/e/canadian-c...
Learn more: www.eventbrite.ca/e/canadian-c...
Canadian Conference on AI Governance
Join us to work toward AI oversight that is informed by research, Indigenous and civil society consultation and public concerns
www.eventbrite.ca
November 13, 2025 at 6:50 PM
On Nov 18, Citizen Lab senior fellow @cyn-k.bsky.social will deliver a talk titled “Civil Rights and Modeling the AI Legislation We Need” at the Canadian Conference on AI Governance.
Learn more: www.eventbrite.ca/e/canadian-c...
Learn more: www.eventbrite.ca/e/canadian-c...
Reposted by The Citizen Lab
What used to be bugs and informants is now #spyware. Bringing together victims of #Stasi surveillance and #spyware to discuss: How can we protect #freedom in the digital age?
🗓️ November 12, 18:30
#BerlinFreedomWeek
Register here 👇
www.berlin-freedom-week.com/en/event/sta...
🗓️ November 12, 18:30
#BerlinFreedomWeek
Register here 👇
www.berlin-freedom-week.com/en/event/sta...
November 11, 2025 at 1:17 PM
What used to be bugs and informants is now #spyware. Bringing together victims of #Stasi surveillance and #spyware to discuss: How can we protect #freedom in the digital age?
🗓️ November 12, 18:30
#BerlinFreedomWeek
Register here 👇
www.berlin-freedom-week.com/en/event/sta...
🗓️ November 12, 18:30
#BerlinFreedomWeek
Register here 👇
www.berlin-freedom-week.com/en/event/sta...
Reposted by The Citizen Lab
YIKES: NSO floats Pegasus spyware used in hypothetical "time of domestic crisis" in 🇺🇸America.
I believe they won't stop lobbying until they get Pegasus into USA.
To hack Americans. 1/
I believe they won't stop lobbying until they get Pegasus into USA.
To hack Americans. 1/
November 7, 2025 at 8:36 PM
YIKES: NSO floats Pegasus spyware used in hypothetical "time of domestic crisis" in 🇺🇸America.
I believe they won't stop lobbying until they get Pegasus into USA.
To hack Americans. 1/
I believe they won't stop lobbying until they get Pegasus into USA.
To hack Americans. 1/
Reposted by The Citizen Lab
What used to be bugs and informants is now #spyware. How can we protect #freedom in the digital age?
🗓️ November 12, 6:30 PM #BerlinFreedomWeek
More information & registration 👇
www.berlin-freedom-week.com/en/event/sta...
🗓️ November 12, 6:30 PM #BerlinFreedomWeek
More information & registration 👇
www.berlin-freedom-week.com/en/event/sta...
November 3, 2025 at 4:18 PM
What used to be bugs and informants is now #spyware. How can we protect #freedom in the digital age?
🗓️ November 12, 6:30 PM #BerlinFreedomWeek
More information & registration 👇
www.berlin-freedom-week.com/en/event/sta...
🗓️ November 12, 6:30 PM #BerlinFreedomWeek
More information & registration 👇
www.berlin-freedom-week.com/en/event/sta...
Researchers at the Citizen Lab and director @rondeibert.bsky.social sign open letter to the Canadian Minister of AI and Minister of Industry rejecting the “National Sprint” on AI strategy.
Read it here: bccla.org/policy-submi...
Read it 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 5, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Researchers at the Citizen Lab and director @rondeibert.bsky.social sign open letter to the Canadian Minister of AI and Minister of Industry rejecting the “National Sprint” on AI strategy.
Read it here: bccla.org/policy-submi...
Read it here: bccla.org/policy-submi...
“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...
Citizen Lab's @fittarelli.com speaks with Negar Mortazavi about Israel-linked influence operations pushing for regime change in Iran.
Listen to the episode here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Listen to the episode here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
The Iran Podcast
News Podcast · Updated Bimonthly · Conversations on Iranian politics, society, and culture with host Negar Mortazavi.
Support the Iran Podcast:
anchor.fm/theiranpodcast/support
podcasts.apple.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Citizen Lab's @fittarelli.com speaks with Negar Mortazavi about Israel-linked influence operations pushing for regime change in Iran.
Listen to the episode here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Listen to the episode here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Citizen Lab director @rondeibert.bsky.social receives SFU’s Sterling Prize for his groundbreaking work at the intersection of global security, digital technologies and human rights.
youtu.be/41wkXFyEsP8
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
November 4, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Citizen Lab director @rondeibert.bsky.social receives SFU’s Sterling Prize for his groundbreaking work at the intersection of global security, digital technologies and human rights.
youtu.be/41wkXFyEsP8
youtu.be/41wkXFyEsP8
Citizen Lab's founder & director @rondeibert.bsky.social has been awarded the Sterling Prize in Support of Controversy from Simon Fraser University.
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 17, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Citizen Lab's founder & director @rondeibert.bsky.social has been awarded the Sterling Prize in Support of Controversy from Simon Fraser University.
Reposted by The Citizen Lab
NEW: Pegasus spyware coming to America?
An ex-Adam Sandler producer with ties to China is trying to acquire NSO Group.
Again.
Simonds fronted this before in 2023 & failed. But the backers haven't given up. Why?
Where is the money coming from? 1/
www.globes.co.il/news/article...
An ex-Adam Sandler producer with ties to China is trying to acquire NSO Group.
Again.
Simonds fronted this before in 2023 & failed. But the backers haven't given up. Why?
Where is the money coming from? 1/
www.globes.co.il/news/article...
October 10, 2025 at 11:35 AM
NEW: Pegasus spyware coming to America?
An ex-Adam Sandler producer with ties to China is trying to acquire NSO Group.
Again.
Simonds fronted this before in 2023 & failed. But the backers haven't given up. Why?
Where is the money coming from? 1/
www.globes.co.il/news/article...
An ex-Adam Sandler producer with ties to China is trying to acquire NSO Group.
Again.
Simonds fronted this before in 2023 & failed. But the backers haven't given up. Why?
Where is the money coming from? 1/
www.globes.co.il/news/article...
Reposted by The Citizen Lab
NEW: fresh trouble for mercenary spyware companies like NSO.
#Apple is launching fat bounties on the zero-click exploits that feed the supply chain behind products like Pegasus & Paragon's Graphite.
With bonuses, exploit developers can land $5 million payouts.
security.apple.com/blog/apple-s...
#Apple is launching fat bounties on the zero-click exploits that feed the supply chain behind products like Pegasus & Paragon's Graphite.
With bonuses, exploit developers can land $5 million payouts.
security.apple.com/blog/apple-s...
October 10, 2025 at 3:33 PM
NEW: fresh trouble for mercenary spyware companies like NSO.
#Apple is launching fat bounties on the zero-click exploits that feed the supply chain behind products like Pegasus & Paragon's Graphite.
With bonuses, exploit developers can land $5 million payouts.
security.apple.com/blog/apple-s...
#Apple is launching fat bounties on the zero-click exploits that feed the supply chain behind products like Pegasus & Paragon's Graphite.
With bonuses, exploit developers can land $5 million payouts.
security.apple.com/blog/apple-s...