At DEF CON 32 this year, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) was honored with the prestigious Uber Contributor award, making them the first organization to receive this recognition. The award acknowledges EFF’s significant contributions to education and litigation within the hacker and infosec community, dubbing them as the „Defenders of the Hacker Spirit.“
The Uber Contributor Award, established three years ago, aims to highlight individuals and groups who have made exceptional impacts on the infosec and hacker community at DEF CON. EFF’s longstanding connection with DEF CON spans over two decades, with the conference playing a crucial role in grounding EFF’s work in the ongoing challenges faced by tech innovators and security enthusiasts.
Each year, DEF CON attendees and organizers demonstrate immense support and generosity towards EFF, but this year’s response surpassed all expectations. EFF managed to raise more funds than in previous years at the hacker summer camp, which includes the three annual Las Vegas hacker conferences. Additionally, they gained over 1,000 new supporting and renewing members, providing year-round backing for EFF’s efforts to safeguard encrypted messaging, combat illegal surveillance, and advocate for the right to hack and experiment freely.
One of the notable incidents this year involved a last-minute cease-and-desist order issued to a security researcher regarding their DEF CON presentation. Thanks to EFF’s Coders‘ Rights Project attorneys, who are present at the conference every year, immediate action was taken to protect the speaker from legal threats. This swift response underscores the importance of ongoing support from the wider community, as individuals facing intimidation or legal challenges can always seek assistance from EFF at info@eff.org.
EFF expresses deep gratitude for the Uber Contributor award and the unwavering support received from DEF CON. The organization extends thanks to everyone who supported them at the membership booth, participated in events like the Poker Tournament and Tech Trivia, or attended their talks. The commitment to serving the needs of coders remains steadfast, with EFF dedicated to upholding the hacker spirit in the face of an increasingly hostile environment.
In conclusion, EFF looks forward to continuing their collaboration with DEF CON and the broader hacker community, ensuring that the spirit of innovation and exploration thrives despite challenges. The organization’s receipt of the Uber Contributor award is a testament to their ongoing dedication to defending digital rights and promoting a free and open internet.