Certbot 4.0: Long Live Short-Lived Certs!
When Let’s Encrypt, a free certificate authority, started issuing 90 day TLS certificates for websites, it was considered a bold move that helped push the ecosystem towards shorter certificate life ...
Congress Takes Another Step Toward Enabling Broad Internet Censorship
- The potential for abuse in the TAKE IT DOWN Act's notice-and-takedown system, particularly in regards to frivolous or bad-faith takedown requests.r
- The impact on free expression, user privacy, and due process under the bill's provisions, including the 48-hour takedown deadline and automated filters.r
- The need for effective safeguards against censorship and surveillance, such as clarification of problematic provisions through amendments.r r
r r The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the TAKE IT DOWN Act, a bill aimed at removing non-consensual intimate imagery online. However, critics argue that the notice-and-takedown system threatens free expression, user privacy, and due process. The 48-hour takedown deadline and automated filters may lead to wrongful censorship of lawful content, including satire, journalism, and political speech. Committee leadership rejected attempts to amend the bill, paving the way for a potential floor vote and President Trump's signature. Experts warn that this approach can be abused, particularly by powerful individuals seeking to silence criticism."}","summary":""}
The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday advanced the TAKE IT DOWN Act (S. 146) , a bill that seeks to speed up the removal of certain kinds of troubling online content. While the bill is me...
Our Privacy Act Lawsuit Against DOGE and OPM: Why a Judge Let It Move Forward
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1. The Importance of Standing in Federal Court Cases: The recent federal judge's decision to reject the government's motion to dismiss highlights the significance of standing in federal court cases. The ruling emphasizes the need for plaintiffs to demonstrate a concrete injury in fact, which is essential for Article III courts to decide "cases" and "controversies."r
2. The Impact of Spokeo v. Robins and TransUnion v. Ramirez on Data Privacy Lawsuits: The two Supreme Court decisions have significantly shaped the landscape of data privacy lawsuits. The ruling in this case aligns with these precedents, recognizing that an invasion of data privacy can constitute a concrete harm cognizable under common law.r
3. The Consequences of Unauthorized Disclosure of Personal Information: The revelation of sensitive personal information of federal employees, retirees, and job applicants by the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) raises serious concerns about national security, identity theft, and potential long-term harm to individuals and the nation as a whole.r
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Summary (100 words):r
A federal judge has rejected the government's motion to dismiss a Privacy Act lawsuit against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Elon Musk's "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE). The ruling upholds the plaintiffs' standing, emphasizing the need for concrete injury in fact to bring a claim. The court's decision aligns with precedents such as Spokeo v. Robins and TransUnion v. Ramirez, recognizing invasion of data privacy as a cognizable harm. The case highlights the critical importance of protecting personal information and the severe consequences of unauthorized disclosure. Further action is needed to address these serious concerns."}","summary":""}
Last week, a federal judge rejected the government’s motion to dismiss our Privacy Act lawsuit against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Eff...
EFF, Civil Society Groups, Academics Call on UK Home Secretary to Address Flawed Data Bill
- Bias in Automated Decision-Making: How can we ensure that automated decision-making tools are fair, transparent, and unbiased, particularly in the context of law enforcement?
- Data Protection Safeguards: What role should data protection safeguards play in preventing the misuse of automated decision-making tools, and how can they be strengthened?
- Marginalized Groups and Discrimination: How can policymakers address the risks of discrimination against marginalized groups through the use of automated decision-making tools in law enforcement contexts?
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has joined forces with civil society groups and academics to warn UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Secretary Peter Kyle about the dangers of the draft Data Use and Access Bill (DUA Bill). Clause 80 weakens safeguards for automated decisions in law enforcement, allowing for biased and discriminatory outcomes. This could disproportionately affect marginalized groups. The government's own assessment acknowledges historical biases in datasets, yet politicians are pushing forward with this agenda. Safeguards must be strengthened to prevent opaque, unfair, and harmful decisions. Immediate action is required."}","summary":""}
Last week, EFF joined 30 civil society groups and academics in warning UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Secretary Peter Kyle about the law enforc...
Judge Rejects Government’s Attempt to Dismiss EFF Lawsuit Against OPM, DOGE, and Musk
Court Confirms That, If Proven, DOGE’s Ongoing Access to Personnel Records Is Illegal NEW YORK—A lawsuit seeking to stop the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) from disclosing tens of mill...
EFF Joins Amicus Brief Supporting Perkins Coie Law Firm Against Unconstitutional Executive Order
EFF has joined the American Civil Liberties Union and other legal advocacy organizations across the ideological spectrum in filing an amicus brief asking a federal judge to strike down President Donal...
Calyx Institute: A Case Study in Grassroots Innovation
Technologists play a huge role in building alternative tools and resources when our right to privacy and security are undermined by governments and major corporations. This direct resistance ensures t...
Site-Blocking Legislation Is Back. It’s Still a Terrible Idea.
More than a decade ago, Congress tried to pass SOPA and PIPA—two sweeping bills that would have allowed the government and copyright holders to quickly shut down entire websites based on allegations...
Vote for “How to Fix the Internet” in the Webby Awards People's Voice Competition!
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EFF’s “How to Fix the Internet” podcast is a nominee in the Webby Awards 29th Annual People's Voice competition – and we need your support to bring the trophy home! Vote now! We keep hearing a...
EFF Urges Third Circuit to Join the Legal Chorus: No One Owns the Law
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Two appeals courts have recently rejected efforts by private parties to use copyright to restrict access to the laws that most directly affect ordinary citizens: regulations that ensure our homes, wor...
Announcing EFF’s New Exhibit on Border Surveillance and Accompanying Events
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EFF has created a traveling exhibit, “Border Surveillance: Places, People, and Technology,” which will make its debut at the Angel Island Immigration Station historical site this spring. The exhib...
Congress Must Reject Transparent Efforts to Undermine the Courts
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Earlier this week, the House Judiciary Committee passed H.R. 1526, a bill by Rep. Darrell Issa to prevent courts from issuing nationwide injunctions. This bill could receive a vote on the House floor ...
Online Tracking is Out of Control—Privacy Badger Can Help You Fight Back
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Every time you browse the web, you're being tracked. Most websites contain invisible tracking code that allows companies to collect and monetize data about your online activity. Many of those companie...
A New Tool to Detect Cellular Spying | EFFector 37.3
- The importance of staying informed about digital rights and online privacy through resources like EFF's EFFector newsletter.
- The role of open-source tools in promoting transparency and accountability in the tech industry.
- The need for individuals to take an active role in advocating for their rights and freedoms in the face of emerging technologies.
The latest edition of EFF's EFFector newsletter highlights the importance of protecting online privacy and free expression. A new open-source tool, Rayhunter, detects cellular spying, while The Foilies 2025 awards recognize worst responses to public records requests. EFF also provides recommendations for the NSF AI Action Plan, prioritizing human rights over technological advancements. By subscribing to the newsletter or listening to the audio edition, individuals can stay informed and engaged in the digital rights movement. Joining EFF supports efforts to fight for a brighter digital future. Take advantage of resources like this to stay ahead of emerging tech trends."}","summary":""}
Take some time during your Spring Break to catch up on the latest digital rights news by subscribing to EFF's EFFector newsletter! This edition of the newsletter covers our new open source tool to det...
How to Delete Your 23andMe Data
- Data Ownership and Control: The article highlights the importance of taking control over one's genetic data, especially in light of 23andMe's bankruptcy and potential sale. How can individuals ensure they have agency over their own data, and what implications does this have for personal autonomy and privacy?
- Security Risks and Consequences: What are the potential security risks associated with selling genetic data to companies with poor security practices or law enforcement links? How might this affect users' safety and well-being?
- Regulatory Frameworks and Oversight: In light of 23andMe's bankruptcy, what regulatory frameworks or oversight mechanisms are needed to protect individuals' genetic data and prevent such situations in the future?
23andMe's bankruptcy has raised concerns about the sale of millions of users' genetic data. To mitigate potential risks, individuals can download their data for personal use and delete it. This step ensures that users have control over their information and prevents it from falling into the wrong hands. California Attorney General Rob Bonta agrees that uncertainty surrounding 23andMe's future is a clear indication to consider deleting one's data. Users should prioritize securing their downloaded data and taking steps to revoke consent for research, as well as reporting any concerns to regulatory bodies to prevent similar situations in the future."}","summary":""}
This week, the genetic testing company 23andMe filed for bankruptcy, which means the genetic data the company collected on millions of users is now up for sale. If you do not want your data included i...