San Francisco, CA – After a quarter-century of battling for digital rights, Cindy Cohn is stepping down as Executive Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), leing a gaping – and frankly, slightly terrifying – space in the landscape of online freedom. But before the internet descends into a chaotic dystopia ruled by algorithms and surveillance, let’s unpack what Cohn’s departure really signifies and what it means for the ongoing struggle to keep our digital lives private and open.
Cohn’s commitment to EFF stretches back to 1993, a time when the internet was still a nascent and wonderfully wild place. She played a crucial role in Bernstein v. Dept. of Justice, a landmark case successfully challenging government restrictions on cryptography – a victory that still reverberates today as encryption becomes increasingly vital for securing our communications. Fast forward to 2024, and Cohn has been the driving force behind EFF’s relentless lobbying against warrantless NSA surveillance, its lawsuits against corporations over privacy violations (think Facebook’s data harvesting), and its championing of digital rights globally.
But here’s the kicker: Cohn isn’t retiring to a tropical island. As she herself put it, she’s “ready to get back into the fight for civil liberties more directly,” suggesting a shift towards a more hands-on approach – something many digital rights advocates find incredibly appealing. This move isn’t a surrender; it’s a strategic realignment, a recognition that sometimes the best defense is a direct assault.
Beyond the Headlines: A Look at Cohn’s Impact
See also The director of Elvis and Moulin Rouge is heading to the war of the centuryIt’s easy to list Cohn’s accolades – the NonProfitTimes Power & Influence ranking, the Forbes recognition, the sheer volume of legal victories. But let’s dig deeper. Cohn didn’t just win cases; she fundamentally shifted the conversation around privacy and digital freedom. Her “How to Fix the Internet” podcast, nearing its sixth season, has consistently demystified complex legal battles and brought them to a wider audience. And her upcoming memoir, Privacy’s Defender, promises a deeply personal account of a life dedicated to this cause.
What’s truly remarkable is the cultural impact. Cohn’s leadership transformed EFF into more than just a legal organization; it became a symbol – a joyful warrior, as one former intern aptly described it – defending our fundamental rights in an increasingly surveilled world.
The Succession Stakes and the Shifting Terrain
The EFF’s search for Cohn’s successor is already underway, and the stakes are incredibly high. They’re looking for someone who can not only maintain the organization’s existing momentum but also nigate the rapidly changing digital landscape. We’re talking about the rise of AI, the meterse, and increasingly sophisticated government surveillance technologies.
“Simply put, Cindy Cohn is an EFF institution,” said Gigi Sohn, chair of the board. “Under her leadership, the organization has grown tremendously…” This highlights a critical point: finding a leader who can expand on Cohn’s legacy – not just replicate it – will be crucial.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) astutely noted that Cohn’s work directly challenged “powerful entrenched interests,” a sentiment that’s particularly relevant in the current political climate. We’ve seen a worrying trend of governments and corporations prioritizing surveillance over privacy. Cohn’s departure raises the chilling question: who will be left to push back?
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So, what does this all mean for you? It means staying vigilant. It means understanding your digital rights. And it means supporting organizations like EFF that are fighting for them.
Here’s a quick rundown of things to consider:
Encrypt Everything: Seriously. Use end-to-end encryption for your messaging apps, emails, and online files. Signal, ProtonMail, and VeraCrypt are all great options. Be Mindful of Your Data: Review your privacy settings on social media and other online platforms. Limit the amount of personal information you share. Support Digital Rights Organizations: Donate to EFF, the ACLU, or other organizations fighting for online freedom. Advocate for Stronger Regulations: Contact your elected officials and urge them to support legislation that protects privacy and limits government surveillance.Cohn’s departure is a loss, undeniably. But it’s also an opportunity – a chance to rebuild and strengthen the digital shield for future generations. The fight for online freedom isn’t over; it’s just shifting gears. And as Cohn herself has emphasized, the warriors won’t be standing down.
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