Best Privacy & Surveillance in Society Books of 2026

The Psychology of Totalitarianism by Mattias Desmet is a thought-provoking book that deconstructs the societal conditions that allow collective psychosis to take hold, leading to the emergence of totalitarian regimes. The author identifies the phenomenon of "mass formation" and clearly illustrates how close we are to surrendering to such regimes. The book provides detailed analyses, examples, and results from years of research, laying out the steps that lead toward mass formation. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the societal and psychological factors that contribute to totalitarianism.

Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O’Neil is a thought-provoking book that explores how big data and mathematical models are shaping our lives. O'Neil highlights the dangers of using unregulated and uncontestable algorithms that reinforce discrimination, punish the downtrodden, and undermine democracy. The book is a wake-up call for citizens to understand the power of data and how it is used to make decisions that affect our lives. The author's gift for analogy makes the book accessible and engaging, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how data is shaping our world.

The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff is a groundbreaking book that explores the unprecedented power of "surveillance capitalism" and its impact on society in the digital age. Zuboff's analysis of the new economic system of behavioral modification sheds light on the dangers of unregulated data collection and the loss of privacy. Her comprehensive research highlights the threat of a controlled "hive" of total connection that prioritizes profit over democracy and our human future. This book is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of our society in the digital age.

The Official CIA Manual of Trickery and Deception is a fascinating historical artifact that was once a top-secret training manual for CIA field agents in the early Cold War era of the 1950s. Written by John Mulholland, America's most famous magician, this handbook offered step-by-step instructions to covert intelligence operatives in all manner of sleight of hand and trickery designed to thwart the Communist enemy. Thanks to former CIA gadgeteer Bob Wallace and renowned spycraft historian H. Keith Melton, this legendary document is now available to everyone. The book is a spellbinding account of espionage and wizardry at their blackest, expanding the history of espionage with a factual and fascinating account.

This book, titled "Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars: An Introductory Programming Manual" is a controversial and intriguing read. The manual, reportedly discovered by accident in 1986, outlines a plan for controlling the masses through manipulation of industry, education, and politics. The book offers a fascinating exploration of deeper levels of social structure and how it may be controlled or influenced, and includes all of the important charts and diagrams not seen in other versions. The new four-page introduction provides insight into the mysterious origins of the document. Overall, this book is a thought-provoking and unique addition to the Communication & Media Studies genre.

Torn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families--and How Abolition Can Build a Safer World, authored by Dorothy Roberts, is a thought-provoking book that exposes the foundational racism of the child welfare system in the US, which is designed to punish Black families. Roberts argues that the only way to stop the destruction caused by family policing is to abolish the child welfare system and liberate Black communities. The book is a grimly essential cautionary tale that delivers data-rich analysis reflecting decades of research, observation, and advocacy for Black children and mothers. Roberts' impassioned call for dismantling the child welfare system is buttressed by situating it within a larger web of institutions intended to surveil, control, and punish Black Americans.

Pegasus: How a Spy in Your Pocket Threatens the End of Privacy, Dignity, and Democracy sheds light on the most sophisticated and invasive surveillance weapon created by the NSO Group, which is used by governments worldwide. The book reveals how Pegasus, a cyber-surveillance system, has been used to spy on hundreds of innocent people, including heads of state, diplomats, human rights defenders, political opponents, and journalists. It's capable of infecting a private cell phone without alerting the owner and can track a person's daily movement in real-time. Pegasus is a must-read for anyone concerned about privacy and surveillance in society.

The Fight for Privacy by Danielle Citron is a must-read for anyone concerned with the increasing loss of privacy in the digital age. As technology continues to advance, our intimate privacy is becoming more vulnerable to exploitation by corporations and individuals alike. Citron draws on interviews with victims, activists, and advocates to weave together visceral stories that highlight the countless ways privacy loopholes are exploited. She also explores why the law has struggled to keep up and reveals how our current system leaves victims powerless. This book offers a solution to our toxic privacy environment and is a powerful call to action.

Data Driven: Truckers, Technology, and the New Workplace Surveillance is an eye-opening book about how digital surveillance is affecting the trucking industry, one of the last great American frontiers. Karen Levy provides a thought-provoking examination of the impact of digital monitors on truckers' work and personal lives, and how these technologies are being used for managerial and legal control. The book raises crucial questions about the role of data collection in broader systems of social control, contributing to an important conversation about technology and its effects on our work and personal lives. Overall, Data Driven is an exceptional exploration of how new rules and AI are transforming modern long-haul trucking.

The End of America: Letter of Warning to a Young Patriot by Naomi Wolf is a New York Times bestseller that serves as a warning to Americans about the ever-tightening noose being placed around their liberties. Through authoritative research and documentation, Wolf draws parallels between events happening in the US today and the early years of some of the worst dictatorships in history. The book cuts across political parties and ideologies and speaks directly to those who are concerned about the future of American democracy. Overall, this book is a timely call to arms for those who value freedom and democracy.