In an era where connectivity is king, understanding the backbone of our digital lives has never been more crucial. This curated list of documentaries dives deep into the world of telecommunications, exploring its history, innovations, and the societal impacts it has wrought. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious about how the world communicates, these films offer a fascinating glimpse into the invisible networks that bind us together.
We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks (2013)
Description: This film explores the rise of WikiLeaks and its impact on global telecommunications, showing how information can be disseminated through digital channels.
Fact: The documentary features interviews with Julian Assange and Bradley (now Chelsea) Manning.
Watch Now 
Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013)
Description: This documentary investigates how our personal data is collected and used by corporations, a fundamental issue in telecommunications and privacy.
Fact: The film includes a segment where a person reads out loud the entire terms of service of iTunes, which takes over 9 hours.
Watch Now 
Citizenfour (2014)
Description: While primarily about Edward Snowden's revelations, this documentary touches on the surveillance capabilities of modern telecommunications, making it relevant to our theme. It provides a chilling look at how our digital communications are monitored.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in
Watch Now 
Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World (2016)
Description: Directed by Werner Herzog, this film explores the internet's impact on humanity, from its inception to its future implications, making it an essential watch for understanding telecommunications.
Fact: The title refers to the first message ever sent over ARPANET, the precursor to the internet.
Watch Now 
The Hacker Wars (2014)
Description: This documentary focuses on hacktivism and cyber warfare, illustrating how telecommunications can be used for both good and nefarious purposes.
Fact: It features interviews with prominent hackers like Andrew Auernheimer (weev) and Jeremy Hammond.
Watch Now 
The Social Dilemma (2020)
Description: While focusing on social media, this documentary addresses how our online interactions are shaped by algorithms and data collection, a key aspect of modern telecommunications.
Fact: The film features interviews with former employees of major tech companies like Google, Twitter, and Facebook.
30 Days Free 
The Net (2016)
Description: Not to be confused with the Sandra Bullock movie, this documentary looks at the dark side of the internet, including cybercrime, which is closely tied to telecommunications infrastructure.
Fact: The film was produced by the BBC and explores the hidden dangers of the internet.
30 Days Free 
The Great Hack (2019)
Description: This documentary delves into the Cambridge Analytica scandal, highlighting how data from social media can be used to manipulate elections, showcasing the power and potential misuse of telecommunications in the digital age.
Fact: The film features interviews with key players like Brittany Kaiser, a former Cambridge Analytica employee, and David Carroll, who sued the company for his data.
30 Days Free 
The Internet's Own Boy (2014)
Description: This documentary tells the story of Aaron Swartz, a programming prodigy who became a digital activist. It's included in this list because it explores the intersection of technology, law, and freedom of information, which are all critical aspects of modern telecommunications.
Fact: Aaron Swartz was one of the key developers of RSS and co-founder of Reddit. The film was produced by his family and friends after his untimely death.
30 Days Free The Internet's Architects (2017)
Description: This film profiles the key figures who developed the internet, offering insights into the foundational work that made modern telecommunications possible.
Fact: The documentary includes interviews with Vint Cerf, one of the "fathers of the internet," and other pioneers of the digital age.
30 Days Free 
