How to Fix the Internet
Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
The internet is broken—but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re concerned about how surveillance, online advertising, and automated content moderation are hurting us online and offline, the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s How to Fix the Internet podcast offers a better way forward. EFF has been defending your rights online for over thirty years and is behind many of the biggest digital rights protections since the invention of the internet. Through curious conversations with some of the leading minds in law and technology, this podcast explores creative solutions to some of today’s biggest tech challenges. Hosted by EFF Executive Director Cindy Cohn and EFF Associate Director of Digital Strategy Jason Kelley, How to Fix the Internet will help you become deeply informed on vital technology issues as we work to build a better technological future together.
Episodes
Mentioned books
45 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 43min
Building and Preserving the Library of Everything
Brewster Kahle, the founder and digital librarian of the Internet Archive, discusses the importance of universal access to knowledge. He shares insights into how AI is transforming library accessibility and the role of nonprofits in defending online rights. Kahle details the origins of the Internet Archive and its mission to preserve cultural heritage, emphasizing the critical need for digital access in democracies. He also highlights innovative projects, collaboration with Wikipedia, and the profound impact of the internet on free knowledge.
24 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 39min
Protecting Privacy in Your Brain
Rafael Yuste, a neuroscience expert from Columbia University, and Jared Genser, a human rights lawyer, dive into the implications of neurotechnology and its impact on privacy. They discuss how tech can decode thoughts, raising concerns about mental privacy and manipulation. The duo emphasizes the need for regulations grounded in human rights, focusing on balancing brain augmentation's benefits with protecting individual agency. Legal measures to secure neural data privacy amidst rapid advancements are highlighted, showcasing a commitment to safeguarding what makes us human.
29 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 39min
Separating AI Hope from AI Hype
Arvind Narayanan, a computer science professor at Princeton and co-author of the AI Snake Oil newsletter, dives into the truth behind artificial intelligence hype. He clarifies that AI can't easily outperform humans in nuanced tasks and discusses its transformative potential in education. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethical considerations in AI's integration, addressing misconceptions about its risks, and viewing AI as a tool for enhancing human roles rather than replacing them.
8 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 30min
Smashing the Tech Oligarchy
Kara Swisher, a leading tech journalist, delves into the pressing issues surrounding technology's power dynamics. She argues for strong regulation to combat surveillance capitalism and promote algorithmic transparency. The conversation highlights the dangers of unconstrained capitalism, which can turn technology into weapons, and advocates for antitrust measures to foster healthy competition. Swisher also emphasizes the importance of tech workers speaking out for ethical practices and discusses the potential of AI to either enrich society or further entrench wealth.
42 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 41min
Finding the Joy in Digital Security
In this engaging conversation, Helen Andromedon, a digital security trainer from East Africa known for her work with the Safe Sisters project, brings a fresh perspective to online safety. She shares how approaching digital security training with joy and playfulness fosters better learning. Helen discusses the challenges faced by women and activists in navigating online threats and emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support. Her optimism shines through as she tackles the impact of funding cuts while encouraging women to take charge of their digital security.
10 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 33min
Cryptography Makes a Post-Quantum Leap
Join Deirdre Connolly, a research and applied cryptographer at Sandbox AQ and co-host of the Security Cryptography Whatever podcast, as she delves into the world of post-quantum cryptography. She highlights the potential threats posed by quantum computing to traditional encryption methods and explains the urgent need for updated cryptographic standards. Connolly discusses 'Harvest Now, Decrypt Later' attacks and emphasizes the importance of community collaboration in developing resilient security solutions for our digital future.
27 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 39min
Securing Journalism on the ‘Data-Greedy’ Internet
Harlo Holmes, Chief Information Security Officer at Freedom of the Press Foundation, dives into the critical role of digital security for journalists navigating a data-greedy internet. She shares insights on protecting online anonymity and the disparities in digital security mindsets across the globe. The discussion explores the vital need for encryption tools to safeguard sources and journalists' work, as well as the inclusion of content creators like podcasters and TikTokers in the security conversation. Holmes emphasizes practical strategies, including compartmentalization, for enhancing safety in journalism.
Jun 4, 2025 • 30min
Why Three is Tor's Magic Number
Isabela Fernandes, Executive Director of the Tor Project, champions internet freedom and privacy through her work on the decentralized, onion-routing network. She dives into how Tor safeguards user anonymity and its significance beyond just those 'with something to hide.' The discussion highlights the transformative power of free software, the need for accessible websites, and how collaborative innovation can shape a better digital future. Sparking interest in community involvement, she emphasizes that technology should be reshaped together for the greater good.
20 snips
May 21, 2025 • 39min
Love the Internet Before You Hate On It
Molly White, a researcher and software engineer, explores her passion for technology and its potential through a critical lens. She discusses how blockchain often prioritizes speculation over real-world solutions. Promoting a human-centered internet, Molly reflects on her transformative experiences with participatory platforms like Wikipedia. She argues that critiques of technology come from a love for its potential to serve humanity. The conversation touches on the need for integrity in open-source development and the importance of user-driven online spaces.
May 7, 2025 • 40min
Digital Autonomy for Bodily Autonomy
Kate Bertash, Director of the Digital Defense Fund, champions digital autonomy as essential to bodily autonomy. She discusses how our online trails reveal vulnerabilities and emphasizes the need for communities to control their digital privacy. The conversation dives into creative activism, like adversarial fashion, to protest surveillance technologies. Bertash highlights the importance of secure communication for reproductive rights and advocates for collaboration between tech developers and communities for a safer online environment.
