The Citizen Lab
@citizenlab
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The Citizen Lab is an academic research group at @UofT focusing on the intersection of technologies, human rights and global security.
Toronto, Canada
Joined April 2009
NEW REPORT: We uncovered a coordinated network of fake X profiles that has been spreading AI-generated content to induce revolt in #Iran. We call this network “PRISONBREAK”. Read the report ➡️
citizenlab.ca
We investigate a coordinated network of inauthentic X accounts that is spreading AI-generated content to induce revolt in Iran. The network has been active since 2023, but increased activity during...
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“It’s unprecedented to have such broad information-seizure powers be unaccompanied by judicial oversight.” @KateRobertson_ on the constitutional deficiencies of Bill C-8 in an interview with @TheHillTimes @ChristopherGuly
#cdnpoli
Bill aimed at protecting telecom infrastructure against cyberattacks strikes at privacy rights, say civil society groups #cdnpoli
https://t.co/B3QCFPMPtk
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We submitted a brief to SECU that sets out targeted recommendations to respond to constitutional deficits in Bill C-8 that were not addressed during the study and amendment of Bill C-26. Read it here:
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On Nov 4, @KateRobertson_ will be testifying on Bill C-8 in the @HoCCommittees Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU).
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Canada’s Bill C-8 (formerly Bill C-26) is proposed #cybersecurity legislation that proposes broad data collection & sharing powers, including warrantless information collection, and could also undermine encryption and communications security.
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I spoke to Alberto Fittarelli @citizenlab about Israeli disinformation operations aiming for regime-change in Iran particularly during Israel’s attacks on Iran in June 2025. “We Say You Want a Revolution Follow @IranPodcast 🎙️ https://t.co/VASPTWyZ8d
open.spotify.com
Podcast · Negar Mortazavi · Conversations on Iranian politics, society, and culture with host Negar Mortazavi. Support the Iran Podcast: anchor.fm/theiranpodcast/support
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Citizen Lab founder & director @RonDeibert receives the Sterling Prize in Support of Controversy from @SFU
I am honoured to be awarded the Sterling Prize in Support of Controversy from @SFU On behalf of all of my colleagues @citizenlab and our partners around the world, we appreciate the recognition of work https://t.co/ljBlyjyJSj
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I am honoured to be awarded the Sterling Prize in Support of Controversy from @SFU On behalf of all of my colleagues @citizenlab and our partners around the world, we appreciate the recognition of work https://t.co/ljBlyjyJSj
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NEW: Pegasus spyware coming to America? An ex-Adam Sandler producer is again trying acquire the notorious NSO Group. Simonds fronted this before in 2023 & failed. But the backers of this idea haven't given up. Where is the money coming from? The unanswered questions should
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There's another effort to bring #Pegasus under titular US ownership. The company itself is no friend of America. Remember, for a decade, NSO Group helped foreign governments hack American officials. And has spent years trying to skirt any accountability to US laws. Whoever
NEW: Pegasus spyware maker NSO Group just got publicly rebuffed by the US. They came to DC to get off the US blacklist. It did not work out. Thanks to their own actions. You know about the human rights issues, but let me tell you why NSO is no friend to the United States. 1/
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NEW: fresh trouble for mercenary spyware companies like NSO Group. @Apple launching substantial bounties on the zero-click exploits that feed the supply chain behind products like Pegasus & Paragon's Graphite. With bonuses, exploit developers can hit $5 million payouts. 1/
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NEW: breach of Discord age verification data. For some users this means their passports & drivers licenses. Discord has only run age verification for 6 months. Age verification is a badly implemented data grab wrapped in a moral panic. Mark my words, as age verification
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Double header for the #uncommonspod today, joined by @KateRobertson_ (senior researcher at Citizen Lab, U of T) and @ASadinsky (immigration & refugee lawyer) discussing Bill C-2's implications on surveillance, cross-border data sharing, and our asylum process.
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For a deeper dive, see @haaretzcom's reporting on PRISONBREAK and other active #disinformation networks with an Israeli nexus 👇 https://t.co/PlqRhMUCPB
haaretz.com
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Evidence suggests a strong link between PRISONBREAK and the Israeli state, leading to the hypothesis that Israel is behind the network as part of a larger goal of destabilizing the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Our analysis of the network’s posting activity shows close alignment with the Israel Defense Force’s military campaign against Iranian targets in June 2025 during the #12DayWar. View the timeline:
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With the help of #AI, PRISONBREAK produced and spread deepfake videos, images, and falsified content from trusted news sources - all with the apparent intent of causing unrest in Iran.
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The Information Security Program Manager will be responsible for providing strategic leadership to develop and implement our Information Security Programs as well as advising other units at @UofT.
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NEW: Spyware installed on Kenyan filmmakers' phones in police custody @citizenlab confirms https://t.co/zX3U8lB2N7 via @CPJAfrica
cpj.org
New York, September 10, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists is gravely alarmed by the installation of spyware on two Kenyan filmmakers’ phones while the devices were in police custody, and...
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