Ronald Deibert, director of the Citizen Lab, took extensive precautions in April 2025, purchasing new electronic devices upon arrival in Illinois after leaving his personal devices at home in Toronto. This measure was to mitigate the risk of surveillance, as Deibert's work at the Citizen Lab makes him a target. "I’m traveling under the assumption that I am being watched, right down to exactly where I am at any moment," Deibert stated.

The Citizen Lab, a research center founded by Deibert in 2001 and housed at the University of Toronto, operates as a counterintelligence service for civil society. The organization investigates cyberthreats exclusively in the public interest, and has exposed significant digital abuses over the past two decades. Their work involves identifying and analyzing sophisticated spyware and other tools used to target journalists, human rights activists, and other members of civil society.

Deibert's work highlights the increasing sophistication and prevalence of digital surveillance. The Citizen Lab's investigations often involve reverse engineering malware, analyzing network traffic, and working with technology companies to identify and patch vulnerabilities. Their findings have led to increased awareness of the risks posed by state-sponsored and commercially available spyware.

While the Citizen Lab has historically viewed the United States as a benchmark for liberal democracy, Deibert notes a shift in this perception. This change reflects growing concerns about government surveillance and the erosion of digital rights, even in countries with strong democratic traditions. The implications of this shift are significant, suggesting a need for greater scrutiny of surveillance practices across the globe.

The Citizen Lab continues its work, adapting its methods to address evolving cyberthreats. Their ongoing investigations aim to hold those responsible for digital abuses accountable and to promote greater transparency and security in the digital realm.