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
11 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.
7 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.
4 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.
Apr 23, 2025 • 2min
Coming Soon: How to Fix the Internet Season Six
Now more than ever, we need to build, reinforce, and protect the tools and technology that support our freedom. EFF’s How to Fix the Internet returns with another season full of forward-looking and hopeful conversations with the smartest and most creative leaders, activists, technologists, policy makers, and thinkers around. People who are working to create a better internet – and world – for all of us.Co-hosts Executive Director Cindy Cohn and Activism Director Jason Kelley will speak with people like journalist Molly White, reproductive rights activist Kate Bertash, press freedom advocate Harlo Holmes, the Tor Project’s Isabela Fernandes and computer scientist and AI skeptic Arvind Narayanan, among many others.
Apr 8, 2025 • 38sec
Vote for “How to Fix the Internet” in the Webby Awards People's Voice Competition!
EFF’s “How to Fix the Internet” podcast is a nominee in the Webby Awards 29th Annual People's Voice competition – and we need your support to bring the trophy home! Voting ends on April 17, so if you like what we do here by trying to envision a better digital future—please take a moment to go to eff.org/webby to cast your vote.
