Click Here Ron Deibert: ‘We’re living in a Philip K. Dick novel.’
16 snips
Feb 25, 2025 
Ron Deibert, Director of the Citizen Lab and author of 'Chasing Shadows,' discusses the pressing issues surrounding digital surveillance and accountability. He reflects on his journey from studying Soviet politics to addressing contemporary cyber challenges, emphasizing the dual nature of technology as both a tool for democratization and a means for government oversight. Deibert reveals the global implications of his team's discoveries, including the GhostNet breach and the dangers posed by spyware like Pegasus, making a compelling case for the need to guard digital rights.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Deibert's Unlikely Path
- Ron Deibert grew up in a rough Vancouver neighborhood, where many of his peers ended up involved in crime.
- He was one of the few to attend university, a transformative experience exposing him to new worlds of thought.
A Change in Direction
- Deibert's initial focus on Soviet politics shifted after a mentor pointed out the emerging telecommunications revolution.
- This sparked an epiphany, leading him to study the intersection of technology and politics.
Early Internet Skepticism
- While many saw the internet as a utopian space, Deibert recognized its potential for surveillance.
- This led him to the idea of using technology to monitor governments and hold them accountable.
