The Rise of “Techno-Fascism”: US Government and Tech Leaders Push for Pervasive Surveillance
A stark warning was issued at the SecTor 2026 conference in Toronto by Ron Deibert, director of Citizen Lab. He accused the Trump administration and certain technology executives of promoting an authoritarian agenda and a “techno-fascist” movement that prioritizes surveillance over individual rights. Deibert, a renowned expert on authoritarianism, cited numerous examples of commercial spyware being used to silence critics, dissidents, and human rights activists.
The Citizen Lab has spent years investigating the misuse of technology by governments worldwide, including cases involving NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware. This highly advanced malware was used to target friends and family members of Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post journalist who was brutally murdered in 2018 by Saudi Arabian agents. Deibert also highlighted the role of AI technology in spreading disinformation and propaganda, which he calls “slopoganda.” He criticized both foreign governments and US tech leaders for their complicity in these abuses.
Deibert’s criticism extends beyond foreign governments to the Trump administration itself. He argued that President Trump has shown a disturbing affinity for authoritarian regimes and dictators, which is reflected in his policies towards global civil society organizations. Furthermore, Deibert expressed concern about the cozy relationships between US tech leaders and the government, citing the close ties between former Apple CEO Tim Cook and President Trump.
The most alarming aspect of Deibert’s presentation was his depiction of certain tech executives as proponents of a “techno-fascist” ideology. He singled out Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir, for promoting the use of AI in military strikes and expansive government surveillance. Deibert also highlighted the disturbing views expressed by other tech leaders, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Peter Thiel. These individuals are not only supporting an oppressive surveillance state but also using technology to silence dissent.
What’s perhaps most chilling is the internecine ties between President Trump’s inner circle and the spyware community. NSO Group, for instance, appointed David Friedman – a former bankruptcy attorney and US ambassador to Israel who has close ties to President Trump – as its executive chairman after being acquired by US investors.
The implications of Deibert’s warning are far-reaching. The convergence of technological advancements in surveillance and AI-powered disinformation poses an existential threat to individual freedoms and democratic institutions. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, it is crucial that we prioritize transparency, accountability, and human rights.
For readers who are concerned about these issues, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. First, be aware of the technologies being used in your community – from facial recognition software to social media monitoring tools. Second, support organizations that advocate for digital rights and freedoms. Finally, demand greater transparency from tech leaders and policymakers about their use of surveillance technology.
Ultimately, Deibert’s message is clear: we must recognize the dangers of “techno-fascism” and work together to prevent its spread. The future of democracy depends on it.
Source: Dark Reading — 2026-10-07