Upcoming Events

EFF at DragonCon 2024

melissa — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 16:38:55 +0000

August 29, 2024 - 7:00pm EDT to September 2, 2024 - 3:30pm EDT

August 29, 2024 - 4:00pm PDT to September 2, 2024 - 12:30pm PDT

Atlanta, GA

Join EFF at Dragon Con! We're excited to be back with a bunch of talks on the Electronic Frontiers Forum track @ Dragon Con.

About Dragon Con

Dragon Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction & fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe. Call us a phenomenon, call us one of the most well attended pop-culture conventions in the country, call us the most fan fun you can have in five days: Dragon Con is where you want to be on Labor Day Weekend.

Attend our Speakeasy

Current EFF supporters can attend our Members' Only Speakeasy: Atlanta! Raise a glass and discover EFF's latest work defending digital freedoms online. This event is a free, casual gathering to give you a chance to mingle with local EFF supporters and meet the lawyers, activists, and technologists behind the world's leading digital civil liberties organization. It is also our chance to thank you, the EFF members, who make this work possible. Be on the lookout for an email invitation by August 25 or feel free to reach out to melissa@eff.org to get the full event details.

Learn More About EFF's Work

EFF will be at a variety of panels and events on the Electronic Frontiers Forum track, so be sure to check them out and say hi when you see us!

Internet Shutdowns in Foreign Countries
EFF Senior Staff Technologist - Bill Budington
EFF Tech Ops Director - Starchy Grant
Friday, August 30 @ 11:30 AM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
Human rights organization Access Now reports that governments across the world shut down Internet access at least 187 times across 35 countries in 2022 alone. In many cases these shutdowns were associated with violence. What can be done to protect access, and could we see shutdowns in the U.S.A.?

The Struggle to Opt Out of Automobile Telematics
EFF Senior Staff Technologist - Bill Budington
EFF Associate Director, Activism - Hayley Tsukayama
Friday, August 30 @ 1:00 PM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
Today's automobiles are essentially rolling smartphones, collecting an astounding amount of data which can then be shared or resold with little knowledge or awareness of the owner. Opting out of data collection is surprisingly difficult, with few protections for owners.

FTC Bans Non-Compete Clauses: Will the Ban Hold?
EFF Community Manager - José Martinez
Friday, August 30 @ 2:30 PM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
The FTC has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking, protecting workers from agreements not to work in other jobs in similar industries, which reduces the market power and choices of workers. Will the ban be upheld in court, and if not, what are the next steps?

The Effort to Shape Public Opinion in the Israeli-Hamas War
EFF Community Manager - José Martinez
EFF Tech Ops Director - Starchy Grant
Friday, August 30 @ 7:00 PM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
Americans are divided in their opinions of the Israeli-Hamas war, however, social media has had an outsized role in shaping opinions as opposed to traditional media outlets. What tactics are being used to shape opinion, why, and what are the outcomes so far?

Age Verification Laws Shut Down Adult Websites in Eight States
EFF Tech Ops Director - Starchy Grant
Friday, August 30 @ 10:00 PM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
Age verification laws have been enacted in at least eight states ostensibly to protect children from adult content, but the identification requirements have caused some adult sites to block access from these states. What are the risks of providing such identity, and do we have a right to anonymity?

Brainwave Privacy Law Passed in Colorado
EFF Associate Director, Activism - Hayley Tsukayama
Saturday, August 31 @ 10:00 AM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
What exactly is "brainwave privacy", and why has the state of Colorado moved to protect it in law?

AI Regulation: Can Congress or the EU Get it Right?
EFF IP Litigation Director - Mitch Stoltz
Saturday, August 31 @ 11:30 AM ET | Hilton Crystal Ballroom
In an atmosphere of great concern and fearmongering, regulators are being pressured to put laws in place to ensure that AI technologies are used ethically. Can we successfully regulate AI to ensure ethical use, or will regulators overshoot the mark?

Insurance Rates and Your Privacy in the Era of Drones, Satellites, and Data
EFF Associate Director, Activism - Hayley Tsukayama
Saturday, August 31 @ 2:30 PM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
The advent of data brokers, satellites, and drones has created a vast ocean of data that insurers could use to theoretically eliminate virtually all risk, while at the same time reducing the size of the premium pool. Should insurers be allowed to do this, and is the public interest being served?

Holding Private Police Foundations Accountable to the Public Interest
EFF Community Manager - José Martinez
EFF Senior Policy Analyst - Matthew Guariglia
Saturday, August 31 @ 4:00 PM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
Should private police foundations be held accountable when they fund or perform the functions of government, and are there consequences if we fail to do so? We will take a look at Atlanta's Public Safety Training Center ("Cop City") as an example.

Passkeys: Are they Better Than Passwords?Act
EFF Tech Ops Director - Starchy Grant
Saturday, August 31 @ 4:00 PM | Hilton Room 313-314
Passkeys eliminate the need to memorize passwords and use password managers, except for the initial device unlocking. What problems do they solve, and is there a down side? Also, how to you reset a password that you never see and don't have to remember?

How Georgia is Undermining the Constitutionally Protected Right to Protest
EFF Senior Staff Technologist - Bill Budington
EFF Community Manager - José Martinez
EFF Senior Policy Analyst - Matthew Guariglia
Saturday, August 31 @ 8:30 PM | Hilton Room 313-314
While protests over "Cop City" and the plight of Palestinians continue, Georgia has enacted laws which may infringe on freedom of assembly and speech rights. What are these laws, and could they be successfully challenged in court?

RISAA Expansion of Government Surveillance: Now We All Work for the NSA?
EFF Senior Policy Analyst - Matthew Guariglia
EFF Tech Ops Director - Starchy Grant
Sunday, September 1 @ 1:00 PM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
The Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act is an overly broad solution to a narrow problem stemming from a recent court case and is part of the Section 702 FISA reauthorization. What does all of this mean, and how is it impacting our Fourth Amendment rights?

Steamboat Willie and Tigger Too: How to Exploit the Public Domain
EFF IP Litigation Director - Mitch Stoltz
Sunday, September 1 @ 4:00 PM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
As iconic copyrighted characters such as Steamboat Willie and Tigger fall into the public domain, what rights do we have to use these characters, and what cautions do we still need to observe?

Social Media Bans for Kids
EFF Associate Director, Activism - Hayley Tsukayama
Sunday, September 1 @ 5:30 PM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
Florida has banned social media for kids under 14 while requiring 14 and 15 year-olds to have parental consent. Other states are eyeing similar restrictions. Do minors have First Amendment rights, and how is age verification accomplished?

Automated Speed Enforcement in Georgia
EFF Community Manager - José Martinez
Sunday, September 1 @ 7:00 PM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
Speed cameras that can send enforceable tickets are now allowed in Georgia around school zones, and are potentially bringing in millions of dollars. Do these devices actually improve safety, or are they just a new kind of driving tax? How is the money that is raised being used?

The Fight to Save the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
EFF Associate Director, Activism - Hayley Tsukayama
Sunday, September 1 @ 8:30 PM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provided discounts on private Internet service for eligible households during the pandemic, but was shut down around June 2024. What are the justifications for bringing it back, or even making it permanent?

Hacking 201
EFF Senior Staff Technologist - Bill Budington
Sunday, September 1 @ 10:00 PM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
Q&A from our panel of experts; play “Stump the Hacker”!

Legal Exposure from Running Your Own Mastodon Server/Instance
EFF Senior Staff Technologist - Bill Budington
Monday, September 2 @ 10:00 AM ET | Hilton Room 313-314
Mastodon is a federated social network with decentralized control, where each server has its own policies and moderation. What legal obligations does one take on when they choose to run their own server with its own policies and moderation, as compared to using monolithic services such as Twitter/X?

Defending Against Cell Site Simulators (IMSI Catchers)
EFF Senior Staff Technologist - Bill Budington
EFF Senior Policy Analyst - Matthew Guariglia
Monday, September 2 @ 1:00 PM | Hilton Room 313-314
IMSI catchers are "fake" cell sites used by law enforcement (and increasingly now by scammers and SMishers) to track cell phones and intercept data. Is there a way to detect when such devices are being used, and to defend against their use when using mobile technology?

EFF Members' Speakeasy: Atlanta 2024

melissa — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 23:00:58 +0000

August 30, 2024 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm EDT

August 30, 2024 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm PDT

Atlanta, GA

Join EFF staff and local online rights supporters for a Speakeasy meet up on Friday, August 30 in Atlanta! EFF staff will be in town attending DragonCon, so please be sure to check out their talks and say hi!

Raise a glass and discover EFF's latest work defending digital freedoms online. This event is a free, casual gathering to give you a chance to mingle with local EFF supporters and meet the lawyers, activists, and technologists behind the world's leading digital civil liberties organization. It is also our chance to thank you, the EFF members, who make this work possible.

WHERE you might ask? Current EFF members in the Atlanta area should be on the lookout for an email invitation to the event with full details. If you didn't get your invitation, write to us at events@eff.org.

At least twice each year, we invite current EFF members to gather with fellow internet freedom supporters and to meet the people behind your favorite digital civil liberties organization. Not a member of EFF yet? Help build a better future for privacy, innovation, and free expression when you join today!

EFF is dedicated to a harassment-free experience for everyone, and all participants are encouraged to view our full Event Expectations.

Ask the EFF Panel at BSidesLV

melissa — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 22:33:29 +0000

August 7, 2024 - 6:00pm PDT to August 8, 2024 - 7:00pm PDT

Las Vegas, NV

At this interactive session, our panelists will share updates on critical digital rights issues and EFF's ongoing efforts to safeguard privacy, combat surveillance, and advocate for freedom of expression. Learn More.

When:

Wednesday, August 7, 18:00

Where:

Skytalks at the Tuscany Suites Hotel & Casino

Beard & Moustache Contest at DEF CON 32

melissa — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 22:19:39 +0000

August 10, 2024 - 11:00am to 3:00pm PDT

Las Vegas, NV

Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like. Join EFF at the intersection of facial hair and hacker culture. Spectate, heckle, or compete in any of four categories: Full beard, Partial Beard, Moustache Only, or Freestyle (anything goes so create your own facial apparatus!). Prizes! Donations to EFF! Beard oil! Get the latest updates.

When:

Saturday, August 10, 11:00-13:00

Where:

DEF CON Contests Room (Look for the Moustache Flag), Las Vegas Convention Center

Bricked & Abandoned with Cory Doctorow, Tarah Wheeler, Dennis Giese, Paul Roberts, and Chris Wysopal

melissa — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 22:04:11 +0000

August 9, 2024 - 5:00pm to 5:45pm PDT

Las Vegas, NV

Bricked & Abandoned: How To Keep The IoT From Becoming An Internet of Trash

After years of warnings from the cybersecurity community, alarms are finally sounding in the halls of power. But more is needed: a clarion call to reset, to redefine ownership and security in an age of smart, connected devices before it's too late. In this panel you’ll be enlisted to join the fight. You’ll hear from experts working at the forefront of a fight to challenge the status quo and seek solutions to safeguard our digital futures.Are you ready to stand up for your right to a secure, connected world? The battle for control, for transparency- for a sustainable and resilient digital future begins now! Learn more.

When:

Friday, August 9, 17:00-17:45

Where:

LVCC - L1 - HW1-11-01 (Track 1), Las Vegas Convention Center

Ask the EFF at DEF CON 32

melissa — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 21:56:03 +0000

August 9, 2024 - 6:00pm to 7:30pm PDT

Las Vegas, NV

We're excited to answer your burning questions on pressing digital rights issues! Our expert panelists will offer brief updates on EFF's work defending your digital rights, before opening the floor for attendees to ask their questions. This dynamic conversation centers challenges DEF CON attendees actually face, and is an opportunity to connect on common causes.

When:

Friday, August 9, 18:00 - 19:30

Where:

Room 307-308, Las Vegas Convention Center

Meet the EFA at DEF CON 32

melissa — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 21:53:38 +0000

August 9, 2024 - 7:30pm to 8:30pm PDT

Las Vegas, NV

Rory & Chris from the organizing team will be hosting space for members of the Electronic Frontier Alliance to network in person at DEF CON. This is also open for anyone belonging to a group interested in joining the EFA too!

When:

Friday, August 9, 19:30-20:30

Where:

Room 307-308, Las Vegas Convention Center

DEF CON KEYNOTE with Cory Doctorow

melissa — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 21:44:58 +0000

August 10, 2024 - 12:00pm to 12:45pm PDT

Las Vegas, NV

Disenshittify or die! How hackers can seize the means of computation and build a new, good internet that is hardened against our asshole bosses' insatiable horniness for enshittification.

Join this DEF CON keynote address with author and EFF Special Advisor Cory Doctorow. The enshittification of the internet wasn't inevitable. The old, good internet gave way to the enshitternet because we let our bosses enshittify it. We took away the constraints of competition, regulation, interop and tech worker power, and so when our bosses yanked on the big enshittification lever in the c-suite, it started to budge further and further, toward total enshittification. A new, good internet is possible - and necessary - and it needs you. Learn more.

When:

Saturday, August 10, 12:00-12:45

Where:

DEF CON L1 - HW1-11-01 (Track 1), Las Vegas Convention Center

EFA Video Conference: Summer Recap

jose — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 18:35:59 +0000

August 14, 2024 - 2:00pm PDT

Online

Electronic Frontier Alliance (EFA) Videoconferences are an opportunity for local grassroots groups to share their work, offer mutual support, and participate in exclusive talks and workshops on digital rights issues.

These events are only open to EFA member groups, but membership is open to applications for qualifying groups.

EFA Video Conference: Summer Recap

EFF Organizer José will facilitate an open discussion for EFA members to recap any conferences or workshops members attended this summer, as well as recap any projects EFA anticipates continuing into the fall. We’ll start off by running through a growing topic this summer—the presence of AI tools in police reporting. Please come ready to share what you’re seeing locally, needs you’ll have for the fall, or with questions we can work through as a group.

When:

Wednesday, August 14
2:00 - 3:30 pm PT

Where:

Online

If you have any questions about this event or the EFA, please reach out to EFF’s organizing team over email: organizing [at] eff.org. Notes and RSVP links are shared via the EFA listserv and on Mattermost. EFF is dedicated to a harassment-free experience for everyone, and all participants are encouraged to view our full Event Expectations.

EFF-Austin: Generative AI, A View from the Lawyers

rory — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 22:24:56 +0000

August 13, 2024 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm PDT

Austin, TX

EFF-Austin , a local organization in the Electronic Frontier Alliance, (not EFF) will host this event:

Generative AI: A View from the Lawyers

From the Organizers:

Generative AI is raising lots of legal and ethical issues that will eventually have to be resolved by the courts. But it is also raising lots of headaches for lawyers and judges, like fake evidence and legal briefs being written by Chat-GPT. The fact that ChatGPT-4 can score higher on bar exams than most lawyers underscores that they are also not immune from being replaced by AI. This talk will cover various legal issues raised by generative AI, and summarizes how lawyers and courts are so far responding.

Our speaker this month is Drew Harris. Drew Harris is a civil rights trial lawyer with a passion for technology. While at Stanford Law School in 2002, he assisted the Electronic Frontier Foundation through the law school’s Cyberlaw Clinic. After working at large law firms on IP litigation cases, he switched to public service in 2010, where he litigates employment cases on behalf of the state of Texas. Drew frequently gives presentations to other lawyers on technology, legal ethics, trial presentation, and employment law issues.

Talk will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/austintechlive and will later be archived at https://www.youtube.com/user/effaustin. Questions for the speaker from virtual attendees may be submitted via the Youtube livestream chat, our Twitter account, @EFFaustin, or our Mastodon account, @effaustin.

RSVP TODAY

When:

Tuesday, August 13, 2024
7 pm – 9 pm CT

Where:

Capital Factory
701 Brazos Street Suite 150 · Austin, TX
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/user/austintechlive

This event is organized not by EFF, but by EFF-Austin, a grassroots group participating in the Electronic Frontier Alliance. The EFA is a network of grassroots organizations across the country committed to promoting digital rights. Together, we're building a movement to promote freedom of expression, privacy, security, creativity, and access to knowledge.