Ronald Deibert, director of the Citizen Lab, took extensive precautions in April 2025 to protect himself from surveillance, purchasing new devices upon arrival in Illinois after leaving his personal electronics in Toronto. Deibert's actions underscore the increasing concerns about digital security and the growing need for counterintelligence measures in civil society.

Deibert founded the Citizen Lab in 2001, a research center at the University of Toronto that investigates cyberthreats in the public interest. The organization has spent two decades exposing digital abuses, positioning itself as a key player in the fight against surveillance. "I’m traveling under the assumption that I am being watched, right down to exactly where I am at any moment," Deibert stated, highlighting the constant threat he and his colleagues face.

The Citizen Lab operates as a counterintelligence service for civil society, a role that has become increasingly vital as digital surveillance tactics become more sophisticated. The lab's work involves identifying and analyzing malware, spyware, and other tools used to target individuals and organizations. Their investigations often uncover the entities behind these cyberattacks, shedding light on the actors involved in digital espionage.

For many years, Deibert and his colleagues viewed the United States as a benchmark for liberal democracy. However, this perspective is evolving, reflecting a broader concern about the erosion of digital privacy and the expansion of surveillance powers globally. The Citizen Lab's ongoing research aims to hold those responsible for digital abuses accountable and to advocate for stronger protections for civil society.