Sure! Here’s the translation to American English:
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In Austin, Texas, the organization EFF-Austin has emerged as a fundamental pillar in the defense of civil liberties in the digital environment. Since its founding in 1991, this independent nonprofit group has tirelessly worked to inform the community about the implications of emerging technologies and their relationship to citizens’ everyday lives. As part of the Electronic Frontier Alliance, EFF-Austin has expanded its influence in promoting and defending digital rights in the region.
In a recent conversation, Kevin Welch, president of EFF-Austin, shared the story of the organization, which began with the intention of being the first chapter of the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Although that idea did not materialize, EFF-Austin has evolved into an autonomous entity committed to protecting cyber freedoms. Its mission focuses on ensuring that citizens can communicate and share information without facing excessive restrictions, while also fostering innovation in the technological sphere.
Over the years, EFF-Austin has led various initiatives, particularly noted for its fierce opposition to the use of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) by the Austin City Council. As part of the No ALPRs coalition, they succeeded in getting the city to abandon its pilot project, making it one of the few in the United States to reject this technology. Since then, the organization has turned its attention to other surveillance methods and abuses related to data privacy.
EFF-Austin’s commitment also extends to the legislative arena, where they have provided expert testimony on significant legislation passed in Texas, such as the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act and the Texas Responsible AI Governance Act. These actions reflect their ongoing efforts to influence local tech policy.
Every month, EFF-Austin hosts meetups at Capital Factory, where interested citizens can participate and learn about technology, legality, and digital security. At these gatherings, attendees have the opportunity to hear from experts and collaborate on community initiatives.
However, despite significant achievements, EFF-Austin faces challenges due to a lack of sustainable funding. Therefore, the organization calls on other entities and citizens to support its work, whether through donations or by contributing technical and organizational skills.
For those wishing to join the cause, EFF-Austin offers numerous communication platforms and social media channels, aiming to engage the community and keep it informed about their activities and events.
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Referrer: MiMub in Spanish