EFF at RightsCon 2025RightsCon in Taipei will focus on pressing human rights challenges and digital rights solutions.
Guide Helps Australian Workers Expose Tech WrongdoingsThe Human Rights Law Centre empowers Australian tech employees to address harmful practices via a new guide on whistleblowing rights.
Speaking Freely: Tomiwa IloriFreedom of expression is essential and intrinsic to human existence, likened to the air we breathe.
EFF at RightsCon 2025RightsCon in Taipei will focus on pressing human rights challenges and digital rights solutions.
Guide Helps Australian Workers Expose Tech WrongdoingsThe Human Rights Law Centre empowers Australian tech employees to address harmful practices via a new guide on whistleblowing rights.
Speaking Freely: Tomiwa IloriFreedom of expression is essential and intrinsic to human existence, likened to the air we breathe.
Saving the Internet in Europe: Defending Privacy and Fighting SurveillanceEFF's focus in Europe centers on advocating for robust digital rights, emphasizing the importance of GDPR enforcement and opposing intrusive online safety measures.
Defending Encryption in the U.S. and Abroad: 2024 in ReviewStrong encryption is essential for privacy and security in digital communications, and there is significant opposition to laws undermining it.
"Can the Government Read My Text Messages?"Privacy is a fundamental human right, essential for secure communication.
Secret Phone Surveillance Tech Was Likely Deployed at 2024 DNCA cell-site simulator may have been used during the 2024 DNC in Chicago, raising privacy and surveillance concerns.
Executive Order to the State Department Sideswipes Freedom Tools, Threatens Censorship Resistance, Privacy, and Anonymity of MillionsThe Trump Administration's executive orders threaten digital rights and the functionality of freedom technologies critical for online privacy and security.
EFF's 2023 Annual Report Highlights a Year of Victories: 2024 in ReviewEFF's 2023 report focused on privacy rights and highlighted significant victories in digital rights advocacy, impacting legislation and public awareness.
Saving the Internet in Europe: Defending Privacy and Fighting SurveillanceEFF's focus in Europe centers on advocating for robust digital rights, emphasizing the importance of GDPR enforcement and opposing intrusive online safety measures.
Defending Encryption in the U.S. and Abroad: 2024 in ReviewStrong encryption is essential for privacy and security in digital communications, and there is significant opposition to laws undermining it.
"Can the Government Read My Text Messages?"Privacy is a fundamental human right, essential for secure communication.
Secret Phone Surveillance Tech Was Likely Deployed at 2024 DNCA cell-site simulator may have been used during the 2024 DNC in Chicago, raising privacy and surveillance concerns.
Executive Order to the State Department Sideswipes Freedom Tools, Threatens Censorship Resistance, Privacy, and Anonymity of MillionsThe Trump Administration's executive orders threaten digital rights and the functionality of freedom technologies critical for online privacy and security.
EFF's 2023 Annual Report Highlights a Year of Victories: 2024 in ReviewEFF's 2023 report focused on privacy rights and highlighted significant victories in digital rights advocacy, impacting legislation and public awareness.
Global Age Verification Measures: 2024 in ReviewMandatory age verification threatens rights to privacy and speech under the pretext of child protection.
When it comes to pornography, what's the harm in looking? | Aeon Essays19 U.S. states now require age verification for online adult content, leading Pornhub to restrict access instead of complying.
Global Age Verification Measures: 2024 in ReviewMandatory age verification threatens rights to privacy and speech under the pretext of child protection.
When it comes to pornography, what's the harm in looking? | Aeon Essays19 U.S. states now require age verification for online adult content, leading Pornhub to restrict access instead of complying.
Open Licensing Promotes Culture and Learning. That's Why EFF Is Upgrading its Creative Commons Licenses.Creative Commons licenses empower creators to share their work widely while retaining specific rights.
Other Barks & Bites for Friday, September 20: Biden Administration Announces $3 Billion Advanced Battery Investment; Fifth Circuit Affirms Fair Use Ruling on Dog Art Kits; and California Passes State Bills on Digital Replica RightsFederal Circuit's ruling emphasizes adherence to statutory presumption of patent validity.California joins several states in protecting against unauthorized digital replicas of individuals.
Open Licensing Promotes Culture and Learning. That's Why EFF Is Upgrading its Creative Commons Licenses.Creative Commons licenses empower creators to share their work widely while retaining specific rights.
Other Barks & Bites for Friday, September 20: Biden Administration Announces $3 Billion Advanced Battery Investment; Fifth Circuit Affirms Fair Use Ruling on Dog Art Kits; and California Passes State Bills on Digital Replica RightsFederal Circuit's ruling emphasizes adherence to statutory presumption of patent validity.California joins several states in protecting against unauthorized digital replicas of individuals.
TikTok Goes Dark as U.S. Ban Takes EffectTikTok has been banned in the U.S., disabling access for millions of users.
TikTok restores US services as ban looms DW 01/20/2025TikTok must secure a buyer or face a US ban, amid concerns its ban may harm users more than protect them.
Here's What Happened When India Banned TikTok in 2020Even after bans, TikTok continues to thrive and expand by adapting to local markets and user needs.The TikTok ban in India demonstrates how government interventions can reshape the tech landscape.
Why RedNote is a Bad IdeaTransitioning to RedNote amidst TikTok's uncertainty poses risks regarding data privacy and aligns users with China's oppressive digital practices.
TikTok Goes Dark as U.S. Ban Takes EffectTikTok has been banned in the U.S., disabling access for millions of users.
TikTok restores US services as ban looms DW 01/20/2025TikTok must secure a buyer or face a US ban, amid concerns its ban may harm users more than protect them.
Here's What Happened When India Banned TikTok in 2020Even after bans, TikTok continues to thrive and expand by adapting to local markets and user needs.The TikTok ban in India demonstrates how government interventions can reshape the tech landscape.
Why RedNote is a Bad IdeaTransitioning to RedNote amidst TikTok's uncertainty poses risks regarding data privacy and aligns users with China's oppressive digital practices.
Court rules FBI's warrantless searches violated Fourth AmendmentThe court ruled that not all queries of Section 702 information require a warrant, prompting calls for reforms.
U.S. Federal Employees: Plant Your Flag for Digital Freedoms Today!CFC raises funds for EFF supporting privacy and free speech; important for civil liberties.
We're Creating a Better Future for the Internet EFF's Certbot tool has revolutionized website security by making SSL certification accessible and free, contributing to widespread internet encryption.
You Can Be a Part of this Grassroots Movement Grassroots support is crucial for EFF's mission to advocate for online privacy and free expression.
Court rules FBI's warrantless searches violated Fourth AmendmentThe court ruled that not all queries of Section 702 information require a warrant, prompting calls for reforms.
U.S. Federal Employees: Plant Your Flag for Digital Freedoms Today!CFC raises funds for EFF supporting privacy and free speech; important for civil liberties.
We're Creating a Better Future for the Internet EFF's Certbot tool has revolutionized website security by making SSL certification accessible and free, contributing to widespread internet encryption.
You Can Be a Part of this Grassroots Movement Grassroots support is crucial for EFF's mission to advocate for online privacy and free expression.
Apple interoperability efforts under EU law falls shortApple is accused of not meeting interoperability obligations under the EU's Digital Markets Act by various digital rights advocacy organizations.
Unveiling Venezuela's Repression: A Legacy of State Surveillance and ControlVenezuela's regime uses surveillance and censorship to suppress dissent and control information access.The government's narrative labels opposition as terrorism, justifying repression and further censoring communication channels.
Apple removed 60 more VPNs from Russian app storeApple has removed 60 VPNs from its Russian App Store amid a Kremlin crackdown, threatening digital freedom and privacy.
Saving the Internet in Europe: Defending Free ExpressionEFF actively promotes digital rights in Europe, focusing on freedom of expression and privacy in the context of online platforms.
Kids Online Safety Act Continues to Threaten Our Rights Online: 2024 in ReviewCongress almost passed the Kids Online Safety Act, which threatens online rights and privacy, but strong opposition prevented it from going through the House.
93-year-old YouTuber back in business after being kicked off platform over porn allegation | CBC NewsA 93-year-old professor's YouTube channel was wrongfully terminated for alleged explicit content due to hacking, highlighting issues with social media's appeal processes.
Unveiling Venezuela's Repression: A Legacy of State Surveillance and ControlVenezuela's regime uses surveillance and censorship to suppress dissent and control information access.The government's narrative labels opposition as terrorism, justifying repression and further censoring communication channels.
Apple removed 60 more VPNs from Russian app storeApple has removed 60 VPNs from its Russian App Store amid a Kremlin crackdown, threatening digital freedom and privacy.
Saving the Internet in Europe: Defending Free ExpressionEFF actively promotes digital rights in Europe, focusing on freedom of expression and privacy in the context of online platforms.
Kids Online Safety Act Continues to Threaten Our Rights Online: 2024 in ReviewCongress almost passed the Kids Online Safety Act, which threatens online rights and privacy, but strong opposition prevented it from going through the House.
93-year-old YouTuber back in business after being kicked off platform over porn allegation | CBC NewsA 93-year-old professor's YouTube channel was wrongfully terminated for alleged explicit content due to hacking, highlighting issues with social media's appeal processes.
8 things that shouldn't have happened last year, but did2024 was a challenging year for major tech companies, highlighting failures and obstacles in delivering reliable services and protecting digital rights.
Organizing for Digital Rights in the Pacific NorthwestPortland's Digital Safety Fair showcased community engagement in digital rights, underscoring the importance of transparency and collaboration among local organizations.
8 things that shouldn't have happened last year, but did2024 was a challenging year for major tech companies, highlighting failures and obstacles in delivering reliable services and protecting digital rights.
Organizing for Digital Rights in the Pacific NorthwestPortland's Digital Safety Fair showcased community engagement in digital rights, underscoring the importance of transparency and collaboration among local organizations.
Paid prenatal leave, child influencer protections, no taxes on rent: New 2025 lawsNew York introduces paid prenatal leave in 2025, enhancing support for pregnant employees.California enacts laws to protect minors in online content and their digital likeness from misuse.
Steam now says the 'game' you're buying is really just a licenseValve clarifies that Steam purchases are licenses, not ownership, complying with upcoming California regulations.
Paid prenatal leave, child influencer protections, no taxes on rent: New 2025 lawsNew York introduces paid prenatal leave in 2025, enhancing support for pregnant employees.California enacts laws to protect minors in online content and their digital likeness from misuse.
Steam now says the 'game' you're buying is really just a licenseValve clarifies that Steam purchases are licenses, not ownership, complying with upcoming California regulations.
Electronic Frontier Alliance Fought and Taught Locally: 2024 in ReviewEFA is experiencing significant growth in digital rights advocacy across the USA, especially on college campuses, supported by rebranding and enhanced resources.
Mozilla rebrand takes from early internet aesthetics, to move its mission to "reclaim the web"Mozilla's rebranding emphasizes nostalgia while reinforcing its commitment to digital rights and innovation.
Electronic Frontier Alliance Fought and Taught Locally: 2024 in ReviewEFA is experiencing significant growth in digital rights advocacy across the USA, especially on college campuses, supported by rebranding and enhanced resources.
Mozilla rebrand takes from early internet aesthetics, to move its mission to "reclaim the web"Mozilla's rebranding emphasizes nostalgia while reinforcing its commitment to digital rights and innovation.
These Startups Are Making Sure AI Companies Pay Up For Taking ContentMedia companies are adapting by using middlemen to license content to AI businesses.Emerging firms provide solutions to get compensated for AI scraping their content.
Video game preservationists have lost a legal fight to study games remotelyVideo game preservation efforts face setbacks as the Copyright Office denies remote lending requests, complicating access to classic games.
Copyright Office Denies Proposed AI Security Research Exemption in Triennial Rulemaking Under DMCAThe U.S. Copyright Office denied new exemptions for AI and educational use under Section 1201 of the DMCA due to lack of sufficient evidence.
These Startups Are Making Sure AI Companies Pay Up For Taking ContentMedia companies are adapting by using middlemen to license content to AI businesses.Emerging firms provide solutions to get compensated for AI scraping their content.
Video game preservationists have lost a legal fight to study games remotelyVideo game preservation efforts face setbacks as the Copyright Office denies remote lending requests, complicating access to classic games.
Copyright Office Denies Proposed AI Security Research Exemption in Triennial Rulemaking Under DMCAThe U.S. Copyright Office denied new exemptions for AI and educational use under Section 1201 of the DMCA due to lack of sufficient evidence.
EFF Statement on U.S. Supreme Court's Decision to Consider TikTok BanThe TikTok ban sets a dangerous precedent for free speech and governance in the U.S.Concerns over foreign manipulation should not justify limiting citizens' communication tools.
New Law Will Force Companies To Admit You Don't Actually Own Digital GamesCalifornia's AB 2426 mandates that companies inform consumers they are only licensing, not owning, digital content.
Australia's Social Media Ban: Protection Or Overreach? What You Must KnowAustralia's world-first law banning under-16s from social media aims to protect children but risks pushing them to more dangerous online spaces.
EFF Statement on U.S. Supreme Court's Decision to Consider TikTok BanThe TikTok ban sets a dangerous precedent for free speech and governance in the U.S.Concerns over foreign manipulation should not justify limiting citizens' communication tools.
New Law Will Force Companies To Admit You Don't Actually Own Digital GamesCalifornia's AB 2426 mandates that companies inform consumers they are only licensing, not owning, digital content.
Australia's Social Media Ban: Protection Or Overreach? What You Must KnowAustralia's world-first law banning under-16s from social media aims to protect children but risks pushing them to more dangerous online spaces.
YouTube is helping high-profile actors and athletes monetize their AI likenessesYouTube is empowering actors and athletes to manage their AI likenesses through a collaboration with CAA.
YouTube says that soon, its tech will be able to find AI copies of celebs and creatorsYouTube is enhancing creator rights over AI-generated likenesses through new tools and partnerships.The platform aims to protect creators’ digital identity and voice against unauthorized AI usage.
Youtube has a new tool to detect AI-faked celebritiesYouTube and CAA are collaborating to identify and remove fake AI clips of celebrities using a dedicated database.
YouTube is helping high-profile actors and athletes monetize their AI likenessesYouTube is empowering actors and athletes to manage their AI likenesses through a collaboration with CAA.
YouTube says that soon, its tech will be able to find AI copies of celebs and creatorsYouTube is enhancing creator rights over AI-generated likenesses through new tools and partnerships.The platform aims to protect creators’ digital identity and voice against unauthorized AI usage.
Youtube has a new tool to detect AI-faked celebritiesYouTube and CAA are collaborating to identify and remove fake AI clips of celebrities using a dedicated database.
Why creatives need a new alliance toface the existential threat of AIAI technologies pose existential threats to creators and their rights.The Creative Origin Alliance aims to protect artists in the era of AI.Big Tech companies face backlash from creators for using their work without consent.
YouTube creators can now opt into third-party AI trainingYouTube gives creators control over their content used for AI training, following criticisms about unauthorized use.
Why creatives need a new alliance toface the existential threat of AIAI technologies pose existential threats to creators and their rights.The Creative Origin Alliance aims to protect artists in the era of AI.Big Tech companies face backlash from creators for using their work without consent.
YouTube creators can now opt into third-party AI trainingYouTube gives creators control over their content used for AI training, following criticisms about unauthorized use.
Speaking Freely: Prasanth SugathanPrasanth Sugathan advocates for digital rights in India through strategic legal actions and policy work.
It's Now Officially Illegal to Use AI to Impersonate a Human Actor in HollywoodCalifornia has enacted new laws protecting actors from unauthorized AI replicas, setting a significant precedent for technology legislation nationally.
As AI makes its way into movies, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland is fighting for actors' rightsDuncan Crabtree-Ireland's leadership at SAG-AFTRA addresses the ethical and legal challenges posed by AI in recreating actors' performances.
It's Now Officially Illegal to Use AI to Impersonate a Human Actor in HollywoodCalifornia has enacted new laws protecting actors from unauthorized AI replicas, setting a significant precedent for technology legislation nationally.
As AI makes its way into movies, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland is fighting for actors' rightsDuncan Crabtree-Ireland's leadership at SAG-AFTRA addresses the ethical and legal challenges posed by AI in recreating actors' performances.
Downey Jr. plans to fight AI re-creations from beyond the graveRobert Downey Jr. plans to sue for unauthorized AI recreations of his likeness, regardless of his future status.
Who bears responsibility for what happens on social media?Recent legal accountability cases signal a potential shift in how social media platforms are regulated and held responsible for their content.
Let's Answer the Question: "Why is Printer Ink So Expensive?"Printer ink is expensive due to monopolies and exploitation, not high production costs.Digital Rights Bytes provides resources for understanding digital rights and technology.
Downey Jr. plans to fight AI re-creations from beyond the graveRobert Downey Jr. plans to sue for unauthorized AI recreations of his likeness, regardless of his future status.
Who bears responsibility for what happens on social media?Recent legal accountability cases signal a potential shift in how social media platforms are regulated and held responsible for their content.
Let's Answer the Question: "Why is Printer Ink So Expensive?"Printer ink is expensive due to monopolies and exploitation, not high production costs.Digital Rights Bytes provides resources for understanding digital rights and technology.
A social media ban in Australia for children under 16 is first in the worldAustralia is the first country to pass a law banning children under 16 from social media platforms.
Digital ID Isn't for Everybody, and That's Okay | EFFector 36.13Stay informed about digital rights, privacy protections, and the implications of legislation affecting online freedoms.
A social media ban in Australia for children under 16 is first in the worldAustralia is the first country to pass a law banning children under 16 from social media platforms.
Digital ID Isn't for Everybody, and That's Okay | EFFector 36.13Stay informed about digital rights, privacy protections, and the implications of legislation affecting online freedoms.
Triumphs, Trials, and Tangles From California's 2024 Legislative SessionCalifornia's 2024 legislative session saw key victories for digital rights, including the defeat of several bills that threatened privacy protections.
Cypherpunks Write Code: Eva Galperin Against Stalkerware | HackerNoonEva Galperin exemplifies cypherpunks' commitment to privacy and freedom online, shaped by her personal history of political oppression.
Triumphs, Trials, and Tangles From California's 2024 Legislative SessionCalifornia's 2024 legislative session saw key victories for digital rights, including the defeat of several bills that threatened privacy protections.
Cypherpunks Write Code: Eva Galperin Against Stalkerware | HackerNoonEva Galperin exemplifies cypherpunks' commitment to privacy and freedom online, shaped by her personal history of political oppression.
Bitfinex Hacker Gets 5 Years for $10 Billion Bitcoin HeistInnovative technologists in India created a clever hack to use AirPod Pro 2s as hearing aids for grandmothers, showcasing technology's potential for accessibility.
Vote for EFF's 'How to Fix the Internet' podcast in the Signal Awards!The "How to Fix the Internet" podcast addresses technology's challenges and proposes creative solutions for a better future.
Bitfinex Hacker Gets 5 Years for $10 Billion Bitcoin HeistInnovative technologists in India created a clever hack to use AirPod Pro 2s as hearing aids for grandmothers, showcasing technology's potential for accessibility.
Vote for EFF's 'How to Fix the Internet' podcast in the Signal Awards!The "How to Fix the Internet" podcast addresses technology's challenges and proposes creative solutions for a better future.
Activists urge FTC to ban hardware downgradesConsumer activists urge the FTC to curb practices that limit functionality of purchased devices, affecting ownership rights and resale value.
"Why Is It So Expensive To Repair My Devices?"Device repair has been made unnecessarily expensive by companies, but awareness and advocacy can help consumers take back their right to repair.
Activists urge FTC to ban hardware downgradesConsumer activists urge the FTC to curb practices that limit functionality of purchased devices, affecting ownership rights and resale value.
"Why Is It So Expensive To Repair My Devices?"Device repair has been made unnecessarily expensive by companies, but awareness and advocacy can help consumers take back their right to repair.
Speaking Freely: Tanka AryalTanka Aryal advocates for digital rights and freedom of expression in Nepal, stressing its importance for democracy and civic engagement.
Telegram CEO's arrest fuels debate on platform regulation DW 08/30/2024The arrest of Telegram's CEO raises concerns about how authorities handle platforms that resist compliance with regulations on harmful content.
Speaking Freely: Tanka AryalTanka Aryal advocates for digital rights and freedom of expression in Nepal, stressing its importance for democracy and civic engagement.
Telegram CEO's arrest fuels debate on platform regulation DW 08/30/2024The arrest of Telegram's CEO raises concerns about how authorities handle platforms that resist compliance with regulations on harmful content.
Celebrating the Life of Aaron Swartz: Aaron Swartz Day 2024Aaron Swartz championed digital rights and open internet access, leaving a lasting legacy after his tragic death.
Mark Zuckerberg faces deposition in AI copyright lawsuit from Sarah Silverman and other authorsMeta is being sued by authors for using their works without permission to train AI.
Meta beats suit over tool that lets Facebook users unfollow everythingMeta has successfully dismissed a lawsuit challenging its control over third-party tools like Unfollow Everything 2.0, invoking Section 230 protections.
Mark Zuckerberg faces deposition in AI copyright lawsuit from Sarah Silverman and other authorsMeta is being sued by authors for using their works without permission to train AI.
Meta beats suit over tool that lets Facebook users unfollow everythingMeta has successfully dismissed a lawsuit challenging its control over third-party tools like Unfollow Everything 2.0, invoking Section 230 protections.
Treat revenge porn in same way as child abuse content online, MPs toldRevenge porn is to be classified as a serious online offence, highlighted by a rising number of non-consensual intimate image cases.
"Is My Phone Listening To Me?"Digital Rights Bytes clarifies that phones are not listening to conversations, but targeted ads create that perception due to data tracking.
EFF Launches Digital Rights Bytes to Answer Tech Questions that Bug Us AllDigital Rights Bytes offers easy-to-understand answers to tech questions, enhancing digital literacy and privacy awareness in today's interconnected world.
Stopping the Harms of Automated Decision Making | EFFector 36.12The EFFector newsletter covers critical updates in digital rights, including major developments in immigration AI use and a victory against internet ID checks.
EFF Launches Digital Rights Bytes to Answer Tech Questions that Bug Us AllDigital Rights Bytes offers easy-to-understand answers to tech questions, enhancing digital literacy and privacy awareness in today's interconnected world.
Stopping the Harms of Automated Decision Making | EFFector 36.12The EFFector newsletter covers critical updates in digital rights, including major developments in immigration AI use and a victory against internet ID checks.
UN cybercrime convention will 'legitimize' authoritarian nations' cyber behavior, senators warnDemocratic senators are alarmed about a UN cybercrime treaty potentially legitimizing repressive policies of authoritarian regimes.
In Appreciation of David BurnhamThe unchecked technological power of surveillance agencies poses severe threats to individual privacy in the digital age.
Adobe's experimental tool can identify an artist's work online or on a tote bagAdobe is developing a tool to combat misinformation and protect artists' rights by linking content ownership across platforms.
Pakistan's internet slows to a crawl as suspicion falls on governmentThe Pakistani government is accused of intentionally throttling internet speeds to suppress political dissent and control information.
6-fingered gloves sent to Altman, EU leaders in chilling AI warningThe six-fingered gloves symbolize the risks and challenges of rapidly evolving AI technologies.
New California law means digital stores can't imply you're buying a game when you're merely licensing itCalifornia's AB 2426 reveals the distinction between buying and licensing digital games, demanding transparency from companies on ownership rights.
High School Is Becoming a Cesspool of Sexually Explicit DeepfakesAI technology is being misused to create nonconsensual sexual imagery of children, affecting millions.Reports show increasing prevalence of AI-generated child sexual abuse material in schools.
Cloudflare's new AI Audit tool aims to give content creators better bot controlsAI Audit by Cloudflare empowers website owners to monitor and control AI bots' interaction with their content.
Content Creators in the Adult Industry Want a Say in AI RulesSex industry advocates demand inclusion in AI regulation discussions, highlighting the critical gap in perspectives on adult content in regulatory dialogues.
Russian Voting Concludes With Putin Allies Poised To WinEngagement with external content in Russia and controlled Ukraine can lead to legal consequences such as fines or imprisonment.