© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

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
May 1, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
What to know after House passes Homeland Security funding and ends historic shutdown
Rising fuel costs put budget airlines under pressure as Spirit faces bankruptcy
Fired immigration judge gives inside look at Trump’s deportation agenda
Germany builds up its military to prepare for a potential future without U.S. support
How new SNAP restrictions on sugary foods and drinks are affecting Texas residents
News Wrap: Gov. Janet Mills drops out of U.S. Senate race in Maine
Oil prices surge again as Trump weighs options to end Iran war and Hegseth faces lawmakers
Gold medal skier Lindsey Vonn opens up about her devastating crash and recovery
April 30, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode