A Warning from the Citizen Lab: The Rise of “Techno-Fascism” in the United States
The world is on high alert due to a growing concern that governments and technology companies are working together to create a pervasive surveillance state. At the SecTor 2026 conference, Dr. Ron Deibert, director of the Citizen Lab, sounded the alarm about the dangers of commercial spyware and the Trump administration’s role in promoting an authoritarian agenda.
Deibert, an expert on authoritarianism, believes that the US government is pushing for a level of surveillance that threatens individual freedoms and democratic values. He pointed to various cases where commercial spyware has been used against human rights activists, journalists, and dissidents, often with tacit support from governments around the world. The Citizen Lab has extensively investigated these cases, including the use of NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware against the friends and family members of Jamal Khashoggi.
Deibert saved his harshest criticism for the Trump administration, which he believes is actively promoting a “techno-fascist” movement. He noted that President Trump has aligned himself with authoritarian leaders around the world, while also cutting support for global civil society organizations. This shift in policy has created an environment where technology companies are more likely to collaborate with the government on surveillance initiatives.
The tech industry’s response to Deibert’s warnings is particularly disturbing. Many prominent executives have openly expressed their admiration for President Trump and his policies, including Tim Cook, former CEO of Apple, who gifted a gold plaque to the President last year. These individuals are not only enabling the government’s surveillance efforts but also promoting an ideology that undermines democratic values.
Deibert specifically targeted Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir, who has advocated for the use of AI in military strikes and expansive government surveillance. This kind of rhetoric is alarming, as it suggests a willingness to sacrifice individual freedoms for the sake of national security. The slide presentation at SecTor 2026 included a stark image titled “Techno-Fascism,” featuring photos of prominent tech executives who have expressed anti-democratic views.
One of the most concerning developments is the connection between President Trump’s inner circle and the spyware community. NSO Group, for example, has ties to David Friedman, President Trump’s former bankruptcy attorney and ambassador to Israel. This blurring of lines between government and industry raises serious questions about accountability and transparency.
The implications of Deibert’s warnings are far-reaching. If left unchecked, the rise of “techno-fascism” in the United States could have devastating consequences for individual freedoms and democratic institutions. It is essential that we take a closer look at the policies and actions of our leaders and technology companies to ensure that they align with our values as a society.
In practical terms, this means being vigilant about the use of commercial spyware by governments and demanding greater transparency from tech companies. As consumers, we must also be mindful of the technologies we adopt and support, ensuring that they do not contribute to an oppressive surveillance state. By taking these steps, we can push back against the rise of “techno-fascism” and protect our individual freedoms for generations to come.
Source: Dark Reading — 2026-10-07