Policy
🗣 A Victory for Freedom of Speech Online | EFFector 38.18
EFF reports a court victory in its lawsuit challenging a government mass surveillance program that uses AI to suppress protected speech online.
Government & Policy
Digital India, data laws and tech regulation.
Policy
As Federal Court Rules ALPRs are Mass Surveillance, EFF Gets Disappointing Ruling
A California court dismissed EFF's challenge to San Jose's automated license plate reader surveillance system, a decision EFF says wrongly underestimates privacy harms and will appeal.
Policy
Privacy's Defenders Podcast: No Privacy Without Encryption
EFF released a podcast episode about landmark encryption protection efforts, featuring the Bernstein v. Department of Justice case that established code as protected speech.
Policy
Resisting the Menace of Federal Data Consolidation
Analysis of unlawful federal data consolidation practices over the past two years involving government agencies, with concerns about privacy violations and weaponization of personal data against vulnerable groups.
Policy
When No ID Means No Internet: Age Verification and the Right to Access Information
EFF examines global age verification policies for social media and digital services, highlighting risks for people unable to provide identity documents and threats to internet access.
Policy
Site-Blocking Will Not Defend IP, No Matter the Bill’s Name
An EFF commentary opposing the DEFEND IP Act and similar site-blocking proposals, arguing they enable censorship and collateral harm to lawful speech rather than protecting intellectual property.
Policy
Congress Has Another Site-Blocking Bill, And This One Targets VPNs
Congress is considering the American Copyright Protection Act, which would allow copyright owners to compel internet providers and VPN services to block access to foreign websites accused of piracy.
Policy
Victory! Court Rejects Government Effort to Dismiss Social Media Surveillance Lawsuit
A federal court allowed a lawsuit by three labor unions against the State and Homeland Security departments for social media surveillance and suppression of protected expression to proceed.
Policy
Ola Bini Ordered to Leave Ecuador Under Obscure Accusations
Ecuadorean authorities deported free software developer and security expert Ola Bini, citing a secret report alleging threats to state security, without providing access to evidence or allowing proper legal defense.
Policy
We Demand More Information on How Marin Cops Illegally Shared Flock ALPR Data
The Marin County Sheriff's Office illegally shared automated license plate reader data from Flock Safety with out-of-state and federal agencies, violating California law.
Policy
Court Agrees with EFF: Utah’s VPN Law Demands a Technical Impossibility
A federal court blocked Utah's SB 73, which would have required websites to detect and block VPN users or identify their physical location, ruling the law creates technical impossibilities and burdens interstate commerce.
Policy
Happy Opt Out October! Let’s Find Real Alternatives to the Tech Giants
EFF's Opt Out October campaign encourages users to reclaim data control by finding alternative software and leaving tech-giant platforms.
Policy
Victory! California Appeals Court Refuses to Revive Surveillance Tech CEO’s Meritless Lawsuit Against Journalist
California appeals court upholds dismissal of lawsuit by surveillance tech CEO against journalist who reported his arrest, reinforcing anti-SLAPP protections.
Policy
📱 Hey Siri, How Do I Limit AI Data Access? | EFFector 38.17
EFF newsletter examines privacy implications of iOS 27's new Siri AI features, distinguishing between on-device and server-based computation.
Policy
While the Country Rejects ALPR Mass Surveillance, SF Settles for Weak Safeguards
EFF argues San Francisco's retention of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) surveillance with weak safeguards fails to protect civil liberties and will not prevent documented harms.
Policy
Privacy’s Defenders Podcast: Cowboys, Cypherpunks and Visionaries
EFF launches 'Privacy's Defenders' podcast featuring former executive director Cindy Cohn discussing the historical fight for digital privacy and civil liberties against mass surveillance.
Policy
EFF to San Francisco Police: Drones are Powerful Surveillance Tools That Require a Robust Policy
EFF opposes San Francisco Police Department's new drone policy, arguing it provides inadequate privacy protections and risks enabling widespread unaccountable surveillance.
Policy
EFF to Court: Trump's Use of Truth Social's Pay-To-See-Posts-First Scheme Violates Americans' 1st Amendment Equal Access Rights
EFF filed an amicus brief arguing Trump's use of Truth Social's paid early-access scheme violates First Amendment rights to equal access of official government statements.