Digital Rights Advocate Cindy Cohn Emphasizes Privacy as Democracy's Final Defense

Cindy Cohn, Executive Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), recently joined Guy Kawasaki's "Remarkable People" podcast to underscore the critical role of privacy in safeguarding democracy. During the discussion, Cohn articulated that privacy serves as democracy's "last line of defense," highlighting the urgent need for both individual protection and systemic reform in the ongoing battle for digital rights. The conversation delved into the complexities of digital surveillance, encryption, and legislative efforts impacting online freedoms.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, based in San Francisco, stands as the oldest and largest digital rights organization, comprising 125 lawyers, technologists, and activists. Cohn stated that EFF's core mission is to "make sure that when you go online, your rights go with you," advocating for civil liberties in the digital realm through impact litigation, activism, and the development of privacy-enhancing technologies. The organization actively challenges policies that erode user freedoms and data security.

Cohn challenged the common "nothing to hide" argument, asserting that privacy is essential for everyone, not just those with something to conceal. She drew parallels between demands for digital backdoors and absurd real-world scenarios, noting, "If the police showed up at your front door and said... 'leave your back door open so that if the burglars break in, we can catch them easily'... you'd look at them and tell them they were crazy." This analogy highlights the inherent danger of weakening encryption and digital security for all users.

The podcast also addressed specific legislative threats, such as the "Take It Down Act" and the "Kids Online Safety Act" (KOSA). Cohn warned that laws marketed as "child protection" can quickly become "censorship weapons," enabling broad content removal beyond their stated intent. She cited instances where governments, like the UK, have reportedly pressured tech companies such as Apple to compromise encryption, which EFF views as a global threat to security and privacy.

Ultimately, Cohn emphasized that while individual choices regarding digital security are important, the onus should not solely be on users. She stressed the necessity of systemic change, advocating for comprehensive privacy laws and robust encryption built directly into digital tools. This dual approach aims to ensure that technology serves humanity rather than exploiting it, preserving fundamental rights in an increasingly digital world.