Ronald Deibert, the director of the Citizen Lab, a research center at the University of Toronto, has taken extraordinary measures to protect himself from surveillance. In April 2025, he left all electronic devices at home in Toronto and boarded a plane to Illinois, where he purchased a new laptop and iPhone at the Apple Store. Deibert wanted to minimize the risk of having his personal devices confiscated, as he knew his work made him a prime target for surveillance. "I'm traveling under the assumption that I am being watched, right down to exactly where I am at any moment," Deibert said.

Deibert's decision to take precautions is not unfounded. As the director of the Citizen Lab, he has dedicated his career to investigating cyberthreats and exposing digital abuses. Founded in 2001, the lab operates independently of governments or corporate interests, relying on research grants and private philanthropy for financial support. Its work has led to the exposure of some of the most egregious digital abuses of the past two decades.

The Citizen Lab's focus on cyberthreats has led Deibert and his colleagues to scrutinize the practices of governments and corporations. For many years, the United States has been held up as a standard for liberal democracy, but Deibert says that is changing. "The pillars of democracy are under assault in the United States," he said. Deibert's concerns are not limited to the US, however. He has also been critical of the surveillance practices of other countries, including those in the Five Eyes alliance, which includes the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Deibert's work has implications for the tech industry, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and data protection. The use of spyware and other forms of surveillance technology has become increasingly common, and Deibert's research has shed light on the ways in which these technologies are being used. In response to Deibert's findings, some tech companies have taken steps to improve their security measures. Apple, for example, has implemented various security features on its devices, including encryption and secure boot mechanisms.

Despite these efforts, Deibert remains concerned about the risks of surveillance. He believes that individuals have a right to privacy and that governments and corporations should be held accountable for their actions. "We need to have a more nuanced conversation about the role of technology in our lives and the risks that come with it," Deibert said. As the Citizen Lab continues its work, Deibert's precautions will likely remain a priority, as he navigates the complex landscape of cyberthreats and surveillance.

The Citizen Lab's research has far-reaching implications for individuals, governments, and corporations. As Deibert's work continues to expose digital abuses, it is likely that the tech industry will be forced to adapt and improve its security measures. In the meantime, individuals like Deibert will continue to take precautions to protect themselves from surveillance.