After dedicating 25 years to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Cindy Cohn announced she will step down as executive director later this year. Cohn, who has led the nonprofit since 2015, reflects on significant achievements in digital rights, including her role in the landmark case of Bernstein v. Department of Justice, which dismantled federal barriers to publishing encryption code.
Her tenure at EFF was marked by critical battles against government surveillance and advocacy for stronger privacy protections, particularly in the wake of the controversial National Security Agency (NSA) spying revealed by Edward Snowden. Despite her departure from leadership, she intends to remain active in the fight against mass surveillance and is passionate about inspiring new advocates through her forthcoming book, Privacy’s Defender, due next spring.
In an interview, Cohn highlighted the foundational victories EFF achieved regarding encryption and shared that numerous battles against NSA surveillance remain unresolved. She emphasized the dangers of misusing national security arguments to justify privacy violations and underscored EFF’s achievement in protecting independent security researchers.
Cohn expressed concern over privacy erosion in both government and corporate spaces, pointing out that strong privacy laws are essential but currently lacking at the federal level. EFF has shifted focus to state-level advocacy, achieving meaningful results in California, particularly concerning artificial intelligence legislation and local mass surveillance issues.
Moreover, Cohn shared insights about coalition-building, emphasizing the strength derived from collaboration between technologists, activists, and lawyers within EFF. She underscored the importance of grounding policy discussions and legal strategies in a solid understanding of technology.
With the emergence of AI, Cohn anticipates challenges similar to past tech booms, advocating for a balanced understanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations. She cautions against relying on AI for critical decision-making, particularly in law enforcement contexts, without understanding the potential biases embedded in these technologies.
As Cohn prepares to leave EFF, she conveys a clear message: the need for passionate advocates in the digital rights movement is greater than ever. She encourages new generations to engage in this fight, stressing that despite the complexities and difficulties, standing up for digital freedoms is both essential and rewarding.
Looking ahead, Cohn aspires to return to frontline advocacy, continuing her battle against unnecessary government surveillance and upholding the principles of freedom and justice in the digital age.
