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PBS News Hour

How governments use spyware to monitor citizens’ phones

Season 2024 Episode 344 | 7m 16s

This past week, the White House detailed the scope of a massive Chinese hacking campaign that reaped information from American cell phone networks. But an HBO original documentary, “Surveilled,” says some governments use commercial spyware to monitor their own citizens. To learn more, John Yang speaks with Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Ronan Farrow, who produced the documentary.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
April 17, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 17, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E81 | 57:46
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PBS News Hour
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Ex-Kennedy Center staffer alleges chaos and cronyism under Trump leadership
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PBS News Hour
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Clip: S2026 E81 | 9:57
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PBS News Hour
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Brooks and Capehart on Trump and Vance clashing with Pope Leo
Clip: S2026 E81 | 11:28
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PBS News Hour
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How Trump's recent actions are affecting his support among young voters
Clip: S2026 E81 | 4:30
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PBS News Hour
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After weeks of fighting, ceasefire sparks cautious celebration in Lebanon
Clip: S2026 E81 | 7:22
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PBS News Hour
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Timeline for Strait of Hormuz shipping recovery remains uncertain
Clip: S2026 E81 | 5:26
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PBS News Hour
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News Wrap: Senate approves short-term renewal of FISA surveillance program
Clip: S2026 E81 | 5:26
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PBS News Hour
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News Wrap: Pope warns of 'tyrants' spending billions on wars
Clip: S2026 E80 | 6:52
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PBS News Hour
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UN official warns Strait of Hormuz dispute is disrupting global food supply
Clip: S2026 E80 | 5:35

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