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 was done 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 with the aim of exposing digital abuses. Over the past two decades, the Citizen Lab has uncovered numerous instances of digital espionage and abuse, establishing itself as a key player in the field of cybersecurity research and advocacy.

Deibert and his colleagues at the Citizen Lab have historically viewed the United States as a benchmark for liberal democracy. However, this perspective is evolving, reflecting concerns about digital rights and surveillance practices. The Citizen Lab's work has broad implications for individuals, organizations, and governments navigating the complexities of digital security and privacy. The full story is available in the latest issue of the organization's print magazine.