2026 EFF Award Winners Honored for Advancing Digital Rights

• The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has announced four winners of the 2026 EFF Awards, recognizing their significant contributions to technology, human rights, and online justice.
• The awards highlight the essential role of technology in communication, organization, and the protection of civil liberties.

Award Recipients and Their Work

• Access Now: Evolved from an emergency response team for Iranian activists into a global defender of digital rights, offering a 24/7 Digital Security Helpline and organizing the annual human rights summit, RightsCon.
• 7amleh (The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media): Protects digital access and freedom of expression in the MENA region, notably leading the #ReconnectGaza campaign to restore internet connectivity for civilians and aid workers.
• DeFlock: A volunteer-powered, open-source project founded by Will Freeman that maps automated license plate reader (ALPR) surveillance devices, empowering communities to challenge invasive tracking.
• New Media Rights (NMR): A program of the California Western School of Law providing free legal assistance, educational resources, and advocacy for creators facing copyright abuse and digital threats.

Impact and Legacy

• These organizations have been honored for their roles in defending digital access in crisis zones, fighting against state surveillance, and ensuring legal support for users against institutional overreach.