San Francisco has been the backdrop for a significant announcement in the realm of digital freedoms. Cindy Cohn, Executive Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), has revealed her intention to step down from her position in mid-2026, after over 25 years of service at the organization. For the past decade, Cohn has led the fight for privacy and free speech, which are fundamental characteristics of EFF’s mission, advocating for these values since its founding in 1990.
Cohn has expressed that it has been an honor to contribute to EFF’s growth, which is now recognized as one of the most influential organizations in the defense of digital rights. “It’s time to pave the way for new leadership,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to become more directly involved again in the fight for civil liberties. During her tenure, Cohn has been known as a “joyful warrior for internet freedom.”
Senator Ron Wyden has highlighted Cohn’s commitment to online privacy, echoing her advocacy for encryption and her opposition to NSA surveillance without a warrant. Cohn joined EFF in 1993 and has since been instrumental in several legal milestones, including defending the First Amendment in the Bernstein v. Department of Justice case. Since 2015, she has served as Executive Director and has co-hosted the podcast “How to Fix the Internet.”
At 61, Cohn plans to leave her position during a transitional period, working with a search committee that has hired a consulting firm to identify her successor. This process is expected to conclude by the spring of 2024, just before her final departure.
Gigi Sohn, Chair of EFF’s Board of Directors, has recognized Cohn’s influence in the organization’s growth and consolidation, while Mitch Kapor, co-founder of EFF, reaffirmed that her leadership has been essential in establishing the entity as a bastion in defending civil liberties in the digital landscape.
Cohn’s work has been recognized through multiple awards and mentions, as well as her inclusion on lists of influential figures in the legal and tech fields. Her upcoming book, in which she will share her experiences and reflections on her journey at EFF, is anticipated to be published in 2026.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish