The Fight for Digital Privacy: Cindy Cohn’s New Book and Upcoming New York Events
The digital landscape is a battleground for our fundamental rights. For three decades, Cindy Cohn, Executive Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), has been on the front lines, defending our privacy against increasingly sophisticated government surveillance and corporate data collection. Now, Cohn shares her experiences and insights in her new book, Privacy’s Defender: My Thirty-Year Fight Against Digital Surveillance, a compelling account of the legal battles that have shaped the internet as we know it. The book’s release is accompanied by a series of events in New York City, offering opportunities to engage directly with Cohn and discuss the future of digital freedom. All proceeds from the book directly support the EFF’s ongoing work.
A Conversation with WISP: Data Security and Federal Access
The tour kicks off on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Kennedys in New York City, with a discussion hosted by Women in Security and Privacy (WISP). This event will feature a conversation between Cohn and Chelsea Horne, Senior Professorial Lecturer at American University, delving into the critical issues of data security, the extent of federal access to personal data, and the preservation of digital rights. What safeguards are truly effective in protecting our information in an age of ubiquitous data collection? How can individuals and organizations navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding digital privacy?
Privacy’s Defender with WISP
Kennedys
22 Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10017
Monday, April 20, 2026
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
REGISTER NOW
Tech:NYC President Julie Samuels Joins the Discussion
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Cindy Cohn will be in conversation with Julie Samuels, President and CEO of Tech:NYC, at Civic Hall. This event will explore the core question facing internet users today: can truly private conversations even exist in our increasingly online lives? The discussion will draw from Cohn’s extensive experience and the insights presented in Privacy’s Defender, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges and potential solutions for maintaining privacy in the digital age. The event runs from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Civic Hall.
Privacy’s Defender at Civic Hall
Civic Hall
124 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
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Anil Dash and the Future of Surveillance
The New York events conclude on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Brooklyn Public Library – Central Library, Info Commons Lab. Cohn will be joined by Anil Dash, antitech Principal & Cofounder, to discuss Privacy’s Defender and the broader implications of digital surveillance. This conversation promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the historical context of privacy rights and the ongoing struggle to protect them in the face of evolving technologies. The event is scheduled from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
Privacy’s Defender at Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library – Central Library, Info Commons Lab
10 Grand Army Plz 1st floor, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Thursday, April 23, 2026
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
REGISTER NOW
“Privacy’s Defender is a compelling account of a life well lived and an inspiring call to action for the next generation of civil liberties champions.”
~Edward Snowden, whistleblower; author of Permanent Record
For those unable to attend the New York events, Cohn’s book tour continues. Find the latest dates and locations on the Privacy’s Defender hub or follow the EFF on social media. Supporting the EFF through the purchase of Privacy’s Defender is a direct investment in the fight for digital freedom. New or renewing EFF members can even preorder the book as their annual gift through this special offer.
The Long Battle for Digital Privacy
Cindy Cohn’s work with the EFF represents a decades-long commitment to safeguarding digital rights. From challenging government overreach in surveillance programs to advocating for user privacy in the face of corporate data practices, Cohn has consistently championed the principles of freedom and openness on the internet. Her book, Privacy’s Defender, provides a crucial historical perspective on these battles, revealing the strategies employed by both defenders and detractors of privacy.
The core of the EFF’s mission, and Cohn’s personal dedication, lies in the belief that privacy is not merely a personal preference, but a fundamental requirement for a functioning democracy. Without the ability to communicate and access information without fear of surveillance, individuals are less likely to exercise their rights and participate fully in civic life. This principle is increasingly relevant in a world where data is power, and where governments and corporations alike have the capacity to monitor and control our digital interactions.
The challenges to digital privacy are constantly evolving. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence and facial recognition, present novel threats to our anonymity and freedom. As these technologies become more pervasive, it is essential to have strong legal frameworks and vigilant advocates like Cindy Cohn to protect our rights. The ongoing debate over encryption, for example, highlights the tension between security concerns and the need for privacy.
Further resources on digital privacy can be found at the American Civil Liberties Union and Center for Democracy & Technology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Privacy
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What is the primary focus of Cindy Cohn’s book, Privacy’s Defender?
Privacy’s Defender details Cindy Cohn’s thirty-year career fighting against digital surveillance, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the legal battles that have shaped internet privacy.
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How can attending these events in New York support digital privacy?
Attending these events raises awareness about the importance of digital privacy and supports the EFF’s work through book sales and membership contributions.
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What role does the EFF play in protecting our digital rights?
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is a leading nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world, through litigation, policy advocacy, and education.
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Why is data security important for individual privacy?
Strong data security measures are essential for protecting personal information from unauthorized access and misuse, safeguarding individual privacy.
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What are some of the key challenges to digital privacy today?
Key challenges include government surveillance, corporate data collection, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the increasing sophistication of hacking techniques.
What steps are you taking to protect your digital privacy? How can we collectively advocate for stronger privacy protections in the face of evolving technologies?
Share this article with your network to spread awareness about the importance of digital privacy and join the conversation in the comments below!
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