A Look Back at EFF’s 2025 Podcast Season: “How to Fix the Internet”

2025 was a remarkable year for the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s (EFF) acclaimed podcast, “How to Fix the Internet.” The sixth season unfurled between May and September, spotlighting the tools and technology essential for preserving freedom in the digital age. In a time when technology often dominates conversations about privacy, security, and democracy, this season turned the tide by focusing on solutions rather than solely highlighting issues.

Dystopian Realities vs. Hopeful Futures

In recent years, we’ve been inundated with dystopian narratives that portray technology as a dark force in our lives. From surveillance capitalism fueled by data mining to authoritarian regimes wielding digital control, the landscape can feel decidedly bleak. However, this podcast season strived to balance the narrative by not only exposing these problems but also illuminating innovative solutions that pave the way for a brighter digital future.

The Podcast’s Vision

“How to Fix the Internet” engages listeners with captivating dialogues led by EFF Executive Director Cindy Cohn and Activism Director Jason Kelley, featuring a lineup of brilliant minds from various fields, including law, technology, and digital rights. The show’s focus on imaginative solutions resonates with its audience, encouraging them to envision a more equitable internet.

Digital Autonomy for Bodily Autonomy

The season kicked off with an episode featuring EFF’s Digital Defense Fund Director, Kate Bertas. The discussion revolved around the idea of digital autonomy mirroring bodily autonomy. As we leave countless digital traces every day, understanding who owns and controls that information becomes crucial. Bertas and the hosts delved into how community creativity can empower individuals, making them freer both online and offline.

Love the Internet Before You Hate On It

Next on the agenda was a thought-provoking conversation with Molly White, a thoughtful critic of technology. The episode tackled the misconception that tech critics despise technology. Instead, passion for improvement drives these critiques, akin to movie critics advocating for better filmmaking. The discussion painted a vision of a human-centered internet, where participation is open to all, akin to the collaborative spirit that created Wikipedia.

Why Three is Tor’s Magic Number

In an episode featuring Isabela Fernandes from the Tor Project, the podcast unpacked the relationship between collaboration and innovation. Moving away from the cutthroat mentality that often pervades Silicon Valley, the conversation highlighted how a community-driven approach can cultivate the technological advancements that society genuinely needs. Together, they explored the importance of dismantling and reconstructing technologies to fit communal needs.

Securing Journalism on the ‘Data-Greedy’ Internet

Cohn and Kelley also touched on the intersection of technology and journalism in their episode with Harlo Holmes, Digital Security Director at the Freedom of the Press Foundation. As defenders of democracy, journalists face unprecedented challenges in a digital world rife with threats. The discussion elucidated the tools and techniques journalists can employ to safeguard their work and sources, ensuring that the truth continues to be accessible.

Cryptography Makes a Post-Quantum Leap

As the podcast delved into the complexities of cryptography, research and applied cryptographer Deirdre Connolly joined the hosts to address looming concerns about post-quantum cryptography. What happens when quantum computers become capable of breaking traditional encryption methods? This episode examined strategies to bolster digital defenses in anticipation of a quantum future, presenting a proactive rather than reactive approach to security.

Finding the Joy in Digital Security

In a delightful twist, the podcast featured East African digital security trainer, Helen Andromedon, who emphasized the importance of making digital security engaging. With a focus on approaching serious topics with joy, the discussion illuminated how a playful ethos can enhance learning and retention in a field often viewed as intimidating. Encouraging inclusivity, especially for women and girls, Andromedon’s insights were both empowering and refreshing.

Smashing the Tech Oligarchy

As the podcast continued to tackle systemic issues, tech journalist Kara Swisher discussed the dangers of concentrated power in the tech industry. The significant challenges posed by surveillance capitalism and algorithmic opacity were dissected, with the conversation shifting toward developing regulations that prioritize safety without stifling innovation. This episode underlined the urgency for a transparent internet benefitting all users.

Separating AI Hope from AI Hype

With AI increasingly shaping our realities, the podcast tackled the rampant hype around artificial intelligence. Princeton Professor Arvind Narayanan critiqued exaggerated claims and highlighted the potential of AI to enrich lives, provided system improvements are made. This episode served as a grounding perspective amidst swirling fears and fantasies surrounding AI, emphasizing responsible development.

Protecting Privacy in Your Brain

Perhaps one of the most futuristic discussions centered on neurotechnology and the ethical implications of its rapid advancement. Joined by neuroscientist Rafael Yuste and human rights lawyer Jared Genser, the hosts navigated the uncharted territory of brain data privacy. The conversation raised pressing questions about safeguarding our most intimate thoughts and experiences against potential abuses.

Building and Preserving the Library of Everything

Concluding the season, the podcast featured Brewster Kahle, the founder of the Internet Archive. They explored how access to knowledge fundamentally empowers societies. The dialogue underscored the necessity of maintaining the free flow of information, importance of libraries, and the digital preservation of knowledge to uphold democracy itself.

In a year brimming with complex challenges in the digital landscape, EFF’s podcast not only confronted these issues but also kindled optimism through inventive dialogue and visionary thinking. Each episode served as a beacon of hope, illustrating that while the darkness is palpable, the collective work of passionate individuals can light the way forward into a more equitable digital realm.

This article is part of our Year in Review series. Read other articles about the fight for digital rights in 2025.