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# Governments Deploy Spyware Through Targeted Online Ads
- URL: https://adjacent.media/signals/governments-deploy-spyware-through-targeted-online-ads/
- Published: 2026-10-16T10:14:29.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-16T10:14:29.000Z
- Description: State actors are weaponizing ad networks as infection vectors, exploiting the surveillance infrastructure embedded in digital advertising. This bypasses the social engineering and technical exploitation required for traditional government hacking.
- Author: Jonathan Greene
- Tags: #signal, theme-culture, regulation/policy, digital rights, journalism

Source: [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/15/citizen-lab-says-governments-are-abusing-online-ads-to-hack-people-with-zero-click-spyware/?ref=adjacent.media)

State actors are weaponizing ad networks as infection vectors, exploiting the surveillance infrastructure embedded in digital advertising. This bypasses the social engineering and technical exploitation required for traditional government hacking. Journalists and activists are now compromised at scale through the same platforms that serve them ordinary ads.