EFF Spotlights Books on the Future of Digital Rights

Published: 2025/11/23 20:01:51

At the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a significant part of our work involves looking toward the future. While addressing immediate digital rights challenges is crucial, it’s equally significant to anticipate the impact of emerging technologies and proactively safeguard our freedoms. This December, EFF is highlighting two free book events that offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of digital rights.

Upcoming Book Events

These events focus on critical topics shaping the future of technology and its impact on society, offering a chance to engage wiht authors and experts in the field.

“The Atlas of AI” with Kate Crawford

Kate Crawford,a leading scholar of the social and political implications of artificial intelligence,will be discussing her book,“The Atlas of AI”. This book provides a comprehensive examination of the environmental, political, and social costs of artificial intelligence. Crawford meticulously details the vast material resources, labor, and data required to build and maintain AI systems, revealing the hidden impacts often overlooked in discussions about technological progress.

• date: December 7, 2025
• Time: 5:00 PM PST
• Location: Online (details available here)

“power to the People: How Open Source Software, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrency Can Change the World” with vitalik buterin

Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, will be discussing his vision for a decentralized future in his book, “Power to the People”. Buterin explores how open-source software, blockchain technology, and cryptocurrency can empower individuals and communities, challenging traditional power structures.The book delves into the potential of these technologies to create more equitable and resilient systems, addressing issues of censorship, financial inclusion, and governance.

• Date: december 14, 2025
• time: 5:00 PM PST
• Location: Online (details available here)

Why These Books Matter

These books aren’t just academic exercises; thay are vital for understanding the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. “The Atlas of AI” forces a critical examination of the true cost of AI, moving beyond the hype to reveal its potential harms. “Power to the People” offers a compelling argument for decentralized technologies as tools for empowerment and social change. Both books contribute to a more informed and nuanced conversation about the future of technology and its impact on our rights.

Understanding the Core Concepts

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems. This includes learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
• Blockchain Technology: A decentralized, immutable ledger that records transactions across many computers. it’s the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies like Ethereum.
• Cryptocurrency: Digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security.
• Decentralization: The process of distributing power or control away from a central authority.

Key Takeaways

• The future of digital rights depends on proactively addressing the implications of new technologies.
• “The Atlas of AI” highlights the hidden costs of artificial intelligence.
• “power to the People” explores the potential of blockchain and cryptocurrency for empowerment.
• Understanding the core concepts of AI, blockchain, and decentralization is crucial for informed participation in the digital future.

EFF encourages everyone to attend these events and engage with these important ideas. By staying informed and actively participating in the conversation, we can work together to build a digital future that protects and expands our rights and freedoms.