Cindy Cohn to Depart EFF After 25 Years of Defending Digital Rights

Cindy Cohn Steps Down as Executive Director of Electronic Frontier Foundation After 25 Years San Francisco, CA - Cindy Cohn, who has led the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) for over a decade and been with the organization for more than 25 years, will step down by mid-2026. The digital rights group is launching a search for her successor. According to a press release, Cohn made the decision to leave more than a year ago, informing EFF's Board of Directors and executive staff before announcing her departure publicly. "It's been the honor of my life to help EFF grow and become the strong, effective organization it is today," she said. "But it's time to make space for new leadership." Cohn expressed pride in the organization's accomplishments under her tenure, including its efforts to protect internet freedom, promote digital rights, and challenge government overreach. She also acknowledged the importance of passing the torch to a new leader, saying, "I want to get back into the fight for civil liberties more directly than I can as the executive director of a thriving 125-person organization." The EFF Board of Directors has begun assembling a search committee to find Cohn's replacement. The organization will continue its work on pressing issues such as online surveillance, net neutrality, and copyright reform. Cohn's departure marks the end of an era for the EFF, which was founded in 1990 by John Gilmore and Mitch Kapor. Under her leadership, the organization has grown into a prominent voice in the digital rights movement. Cohn's legacy will be remembered for her tireless advocacy on behalf of internet users and her commitment to protecting civil liberties in the digital age. The EFF's work is crucial in today's society, where technology is increasingly intertwined with daily life. As Cohn noted, "We're fighting trolls, bullies, corporate oligarchs, clueless legislators, and outright dictators." Her successor will face similar challenges, but also opportunities to build on the organization's successes. The search for Cohn's replacement is expected to be a thorough process, with the EFF Board of Directors seeking a candidate who shares her vision and commitment to digital rights. The organization will continue to operate during this transition period, with its lawyers, activists, and technologists remaining dedicated to protecting internet freedom and promoting justice in the digital world. Background: The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco that advocates for digital rights and online freedoms. Founded in 1990 by John Gilmore and Mitch Kapor, the EFF has grown into a prominent voice in the digital rights movement. The organization's work includes challenging government overreach, promoting net neutrality, and protecting internet users from online surveillance. Additional Perspectives: EFF's Executive Director Cindy Cohn will be remembered for her tireless advocacy on behalf of internet users and her commitment to protecting civil liberties in the digital age. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of digital rights advocates. As the EFF searches for a new leader, it is clear that the organization's work is more important than ever. The challenges facing internet users today are complex and multifaceted, requiring a strong and effective advocate like Cohn to lead the charge. The search for Cohn's replacement will be a thorough process, with the EFF Board of Directors seeking a candidate who shares her vision and commitment to digital rights. The organization will continue to operate during this transition period, with its lawyers, activists, and technologists remaining dedicated to protecting internet freedom and promoting justice in the digital world. Current Status: The EFF is currently launching a search for Cindy Cohn's successor, with the Board of Directors assembling a search committee to find a new leader. The organization will continue its work on pressing issues such as online surveillance, net neutrality, and copyright reform during this transition period. As the EFF looks to the future, it is clear that the digital rights movement needs strong leaders like Cohn who are committed to protecting internet freedom and promoting justice in the digital world. *Reporting by Yro.*