Cindy Cohn Discusses Three Decades of Digital Privacy Advocacy in New Book and Podcast Appearance
The fight for digital privacy is a long one, marked by legal battles and evolving technologies. A recent podcast conversation featuring Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) Executive Director Cindy Cohn, alongside bestselling novelist and EFF Special Advisor Cory Doctorow, delves into this complex history. The discussion centers around Cohn’s new book, “Privacy’s Defender: My Thirty-Year Fight Against Digital Surveillance,” published by MIT Press. The podcast, a bonus episode of “How to Fix the Internet,” offers a compelling look at the challenges and triumphs in protecting individual liberties in the digital age. It’s a conversation particularly relevant as concerns around data security and government surveillance continue to grow.
Cohn’s three decades of work at the EFF have placed her at the forefront of numerous landmark cases, from the “Crypto Wars” of the 1990s to contemporary battles against mass surveillance programs. The podcast explores how these early legal and political struggles over encryption and digital technologies laid the groundwork for today’s debates about privacy, free speech, and the balance of power between individuals, corporations, and the government. The conversation, recorded on March 10, 2026, at the iconic City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco, provides a unique insight into the personal and professional journey of a leading advocate for digital rights. The event was well-attended, highlighting the public’s increasing awareness and concern regarding privacy issues.
“Privacy’s Defender” isn’t simply a recounting of legal battles; it’s a deeply personal narrative. The book, and the podcast discussion, highlight the human element of the fight for privacy. Cohn shares her experiences working alongside visionaries who recognized the potential threats to freedom posed by unchecked digital surveillance. The podcast offers a chance to hear directly from Cohn about the motivations and strategies that have guided her work, and the lessons learned over the years. It’s a story about defending fundamental rights in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
The Crypto Wars and the Evolution of Surveillance
The podcast conversation revisits the “Crypto Wars,” a series of battles in the 1990s over the control of encryption technology. The U.S. Government, concerned that strong encryption would hinder law enforcement, attempted to restrict its export and even its domestic leverage. The EFF, under Cohn’s leadership, fiercely opposed these restrictions, arguing that encryption was essential for protecting privacy and security. This period established a crucial precedent for future debates about the balance between security and liberty. The legal battles of this era, such as Bernstein v. US Department of Justice, were pivotal in establishing the right to use and develop encryption technologies.
The discussion also addresses the rise of mass surveillance programs following the September 11, 2001, attacks. Cohn details the EFF’s challenges to programs like those conducted by the National Security Agency (NSA), including the controversial bulk collection of phone records. Cases like Hepting v. AT&T and Jewel v. NSA, highlighted as resources following the podcast, demonstrate the EFF’s commitment to holding government agencies accountable for their surveillance practices. These cases, and others, involved challenging the legality of warrantless surveillance and seeking greater transparency about government data collection activities. The EFF’s National Security Letter lawsuits further exemplify their efforts to protect individuals from government overreach.
Cory Doctorow and the Importance of Digital Rights
The choice of Cory Doctorow as Cohn’s conversation partner is significant. Doctorow is a well-known science fiction author, journalist, and activist who has long been a vocal advocate for digital rights. His work often explores the social and political implications of technology, and he has consistently warned against the dangers of unchecked surveillance and corporate control of the internet. Doctorow’s perspective as a storyteller and commentator adds another layer to the discussion, making it accessible to a wider audience. He brings a unique ability to translate complex legal and technical issues into compelling narratives.
Doctorow’s involvement underscores the broader cultural importance of the issues raised in Cohn’s book. The fight for digital privacy isn’t just a legal or technical matter; it’s a fundamental struggle for freedom of expression, autonomy, and democratic participation. The podcast conversation highlights the require for ongoing vigilance and advocacy to protect these rights in the face of evolving technologies and political pressures. Doctorow’s presence also emphasizes the intersection of technology, law, and culture in shaping the future of privacy.
Where to Listen and Learn More
The bonus episode of “How to Fix the Internet” is available on multiple platforms, including Simplecast, the Internet Archive, and YouTube. Listeners can also locate the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. For those interested in learning more about Cindy Cohn’s work and “Privacy’s Defender,” the EFF website (https://www.eff.org/Privacys-Defender) provides information about the book and her national book tour, which includes stops in cities such as Seattle, Silicon Valley, Denver, Boston, Ann Arbor, Iowa City, Washington D.C., and New York City.
The EFF is also planning a special podcast series featuring key players and moments from “Privacy’s Defender,” promising further insights into the ongoing fight for digital privacy. This series will likely delve deeper into specific cases and controversies, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing privacy advocates today. The conversation between Cohn and Doctorow serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting fundamental rights in the digital age, and the ongoing need for vigilance and advocacy.
As digital surveillance technologies continue to evolve, and as governments and corporations seek to expand their data collection practices, the principles outlined in “Privacy’s Defender” remain more relevant than ever. The book and the podcast conversation offer a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the history of the fight for digital privacy, and the challenges that lie ahead. The next scheduled event related to the book is a discussion at the New York Public Library on April 15, 2026. Stay tuned to the EFF website for updates and further information.
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