This paper studies contemporary digital surveillance, and how users’ sensitive data is collected and analyzed for different purposes. Specific objectives: i) to describe technological forms of surveillance based on personal and behavioral data generated in individuals' online communications; ii) to study the relations between the political economy of contemporary capitalism and privacy; iii) to understand how states and private organizations use electronic data surveillance. Methodology: hypothetical-deductive procedure method, with qualitative approach and bibliographic-documentary technique.