As 2012 comes to a close, I've been reflecting on the relentless series of campaigns, publications, and cases in which the dedicated lawyers, technologists, and activists of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) have engaged in service of a better, freer digital future. With help from supporters like you, we've been able to accomplish so much.
The year started off perilously as we fought back a pair of dangerous Internet censorship bills (popularly known as SOPA and PIPA) backed by copyright maximalists. EFF played a critical role during the day-long website blackout protest by Google, Wikipedia, and others, as millions of Internet users were referred to EFF's website for an explanation of the dangers and an opportunity to take action. Nearly two million emails were sent through EFF's action center to let Congress know how you felt, and together we were able to successfully de-rail the legislation.
As the year progressed, EFF's legal team continued to fight against all sorts of threats to your freedom. We carried on with our battle against the U.S. government’s warrantless wiretapping program. We filed briefs against unauthorized government GPS location tracking and drone surveillance, bogus copyright and patent infringement lawsuits, and the overbroad seizure of data stored with third party providers. We fought for fair use and the rights of innovators and service providers. We promoted the use of open wireless networks and won renewal of your right to jailbreak your cell phone.
EFF's international and tech teams sought to protect activists, bloggers and journalists throughout the world who were being censored and arrested. We created guides and technology tools to help people protect themselves and their communications. Our browser plugin for Firefox and Chrome, HTTPS Everywhere, helped over 2.5 million users secure their communications from eavesdropping and other security threats.
Looking forward, however, there is still so much to be done. EFF is moving into a new building, where we'll be continuing some old fights and preparing for some new ones. The threats to freedom and innovation keep on coming, and EFF is ready to continue to fight for your rights.
But we can't continue do it without your help.
If you've already given to EFF this year, thank you for your support. If you haven't, or if you have the ability to give a little more, please consider making a donation today.
Every donation helps, and every bit of sharing you do about our work (whether it’s tweeting, liking, plus-oneing, email, SMS, or carrier pigeon) helps to grow this Internet freedom movement into a more effective, diverse force for a sane, sound digital future. Please consider becoming a member today.
Once again, thanks for your support!
Shari Steele
Executive Director
Electronic Frontier Foundation
815 Eddy Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
