Nicole Ozer Named New Executive Director of Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has appointed Nicole Ozer as its new executive director, effective June 1st. Ozer, a prominent legal expert specializing in privacy, surveillance, artificial intelligence and digital speech, succeeds Cindy Cohn, who has led the organization for over 25 years. This transition marks a significant moment for the digital rights advocacy group as it navigates an increasingly complex technological landscape.

A Legacy of Civil Liberties Advocacy

Ozer brings to the EFF a substantial track record in defending civil liberties in the digital realm. Most recently, she served as the inaugural executive director of the Center for Constitutional Democracy at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Prior to that, she spent over two decades – from 2004 to 2025 – as the founding director of the Technology and Civil Liberties Program at the ACLU of Northern California. Her operate at the ACLU involved extensive collaboration with the EFF on numerous civil rights cases and litigation efforts, establishing a strong pre-existing relationship with the organization.

Throughout her career, Ozer has been instrumental in shaping key legislation aimed at protecting digital privacy. She spearheaded the passage of the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) in 2016, considered the nation’s strongest state-level law requiring a warrant for government access to electronic information. She also modernized California law to safeguard reading records in the digital age with the Reader Privacy Act, which mandates a “super warrant” for government access to such data. Beyond legislative achievements, Ozer developed a model law for local oversight of surveillance systems, inspiring similar laws in 25 states and impacting the rights of over 17 million people.

EFF’s Mission and Current Landscape

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, founded in 1990, champions user privacy, free expression, and innovation. The organization employs a multi-faceted approach, including impact litigation, policy analysis, grassroots activism, and technology development, all geared towards ensuring technology serves freedom, justice, and innovation globally. EFF recently celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2025, a testament to its enduring relevance in a rapidly evolving digital world.

The appointment of Ozer comes at a critical juncture. Concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, data privacy, and government surveillance are escalating, demanding robust advocacy and legal expertise. The EFF’s work is increasingly vital as technology permeates every aspect of life, raising complex questions about individual rights and societal impact. Ozer’s experience in these areas positions her well to lead the organization through these challenges.

Transition and Future Direction

Cindy Cohn, the outgoing executive director, expressed confidence in Ozer’s ability to lead the EFF. “She has been our stalwart partner for many years in standing up for privacy, free speech and innovation online,” Cohn stated. “I’m confident that she understands both the strong heart and the future potential of EFF especially as our work is more critical than ever.” Gigi Sohn, EFF Board Chair, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Ozer’s “great vision, strong management skills and deep substantive knowledge.”

Ozer herself expressed her honor at leading the EFF forward. “EFF’s global work to defend and advance rights, justice, and democracy in the digital age is fundamental to the future of our countries, our livelihoods, and literally our lives,” she said. She emphasized her readiness to collaborate with the EFF’s staff, board, and supporters to strengthen the organization and build a future where technology empowers individuals.

Expanding Expertise: Fellowships and Academic Roles

Beyond her leadership roles at the ACLU and the Center for Constitutional Democracy, Ozer has actively engaged in academic and research pursuits. She currently serves as a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. In 2024-2025, she was a technology and human rights fellow at the Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, and in 2019, she held a visiting researcher position at the Berkeley Center for Law and Technology, alongside a non-residential fellowship with the Digital Civil Society Lab at Stanford. These experiences demonstrate a commitment to both practical advocacy and rigorous scholarly inquiry.

Recognition and Impact

Ozer’s contributions to digital rights have been widely recognized. She has received the Fearless Advocate Award from the American Constitution Society Bay Area and the James Madison Freedom of Information Award from the Society of Professional Journalists of Northern California. In 2025, the California Senate passed a resolution commending her “unwavering dedication to defending and promoting civil liberties in the digital world.” Her writings on privacy and constitutional law have been published extensively, and she frequently provides expert testimony to government bodies and speaks at academic and industry conferences, including South by Southwest and the Centre for European Policy Studies.

Looking Ahead: Continued Litigation and Policy Work

The EFF, under Ozer’s leadership, is expected to continue its focus on impact litigation, challenging government overreach and defending digital rights in the courts. Policy analysis and advocacy will remain central to the organization’s strategy, aiming to shape legislation and regulations that protect privacy and free expression. Grassroots activism and technology development will also play crucial roles in empowering individuals and promoting a more just and equitable digital future. The organization’s ongoing work on issues such as encryption, surveillance, and content moderation will likely be prioritized, building on Cohn’s legacy and leveraging Ozer’s extensive experience.