Why Your Privacy Shouldn't Be a Corporate Decision: Key Questions Answered

In a digital age where personal data is often treated as a commodity, concerns over corporate surveillance have never been more pressing. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has long been at the forefront of defending user privacy, taking on tech giants and government agencies alike. This FAQ explores the issues raised by recent corporate actions—from Meta's planned face recognition smart glasses to Google's surveillance disclosures—and outlines how EFF is fighting back. Learn how you can join the movement to reclaim control over your personal information.

1. What prompted EFF to call out Meta's privacy-invasive plans?

An internal Meta document from 2025 revealed the company's strategy to launch face recognition software for smart glasses during a politically volatile period. The memo cynically noted that civil society groups, which would typically oppose such invasive technology, would have their attention diverted elsewhere. EFF sounded the alarm because this approach deliberately exploits public distraction to push through privacy-eroding features. By exposing Meta's calculated timing, EFF aims to remind users that corporate decisions about our data should not be made behind closed doors—especially when those decisions prioritize profits over consent. The incident underscores why independent oversight is critical to holding powerful companies accountable.

2. How are other tech giants like Google and Palantir violating privacy?

Google has been accused of breaking its promise to notify users about government surveillance requests, undermining transparency around lawful access to data. Meanwhile, Palantir—a data analytics firm—has failed to live up to its stated human rights commitments, particularly regarding the use of its technology for surveillance and predictive policing. These cases show that the problem isn't limited to one company: corporate accountability for privacy and human rights is widespread. EFF investigates these violations and pressures companies to adhere to ethical standards. For example, when Google reneged on notification promises, EFF called for stronger legal protections to ensure users are informed when their data is accessed by authorities.

3. What is EFF doing to hold corporations accountable?

EFF employs a multi-pronged strategy: litigation, advocacy, and technology development. On the legal front, EFF is suing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to uncover their efforts to unmask online critics. The organization also creates privacy-enhancing free software, such as tools that encrypt communications or block trackers. Additionally, EFF pushes for stronger privacy laws—like the Consumer Privacy Protection Act—to establish baseline protections for everyone. These efforts are funded by over 30,000 members who believe that privacy should not be a corporate decision. EFF's track record includes top ratings from Charity Navigator, demonstrating its effective use of donations.

4. How can individuals support EFF's privacy efforts?

Individuals can join EFF's community of over 30,000 members to directly support the fight for privacy. Membership includes a new member t-shirt and helps fund lawsuits, advocacy campaigns, and free software projects. Donations are tax-deductible in the U.S. as allowed by law. Beyond financial support, you can amplify EFF's message by sharing alerts about corporate surveillance, participating in public comment periods for new regulations, and choosing privacy-respecting services. EFF's success relies on collective action: when enough people speak out, companies are forced to change course. As the organization notes, we've seen community pressure rein in corporate behavior before—and we can do it again with your help.

5. Why does EFF believe collective action can rein in corporations?

History shows that when users unite, even the largest tech companies respond. Past campaigns have forced Facebook to improve privacy settings, stopped Google from scanning student email, and pushed Apple to strengthen encryption. EFF's model leverages this power: by organizing users to speak out, file complaints, and refuse to accept surveillance, the organization creates a clear economic and reputational cost for privacy violations. The internal Meta document reveals that companies fear public backlash—they just try to time their launches during distractions. EFF's role is to ensure the watchdogs are always watching, not just when the spotlight is on. With sustained pressure, corporations learn that privacy-respecting practices are not optional but essential for long-term trust.

6. What are some specific actions EFF has taken against government surveillance?

EFF is actively suing DHS and ICE to reveal their methods for unmasking online critics—a practice that can chill free speech. The organization also develops free software tools like HTTPS Everywhere, which encrypts web traffic, and Privacy Badger, which blocks tracking scripts. In the courts, EFF has challenged warrantless surveillance programs under the Patriot Act and fought for transparency around National Security Letters. These actions aim to hold both government and corporate actors accountable. EFF's litigation often sets legal precedents that strengthen privacy rights for all. For instance, it successfully argued that people have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their cell phone location data. These victories are made possible through member support and the collective determination to protect civil liberties.