Legal Victories

Since its founding in 1990, EFF has consistently taken critical cases, challenged tough opponents, and achieved landmark victories. EFF has prevailed in lawsuits against the federal government, the FCC, the world's largest entertainment companies, and major electronics companies, among others. EFF has also beaten bills in Congress and pressured companies to respect your rights.

Learn more about some of EFF's key victories below. To support our continued success, consider becoming a member and donating to EFF.

Privacy

Legal Case Naperville Smart Meter Assoc. v. Naperville

EFF filed an amicus brief arguing that the government’s collection of smart meter data is a search, and thus subject to Fourth Amendment protections. The Seventh Circuit agreed, recognizing that because smart meters record thousands of usage readings per month, they implicate the Fourth Amendment in ways that traditional meters do not.

Legal Case Fake Facebook Profiles for Law Enforcement

After years of pressure, Facebook has updated its policy regarding law enforcement using fake profiles on the platform. They outwardly warned agencies that such profiles are contrary to the rules on misrepresentation and will be removed.

Legal Case People v. Weaver

Police may not use a GPS device to track the movements of your vehicle without first getting a warrant

Legal Case n the Matter of the Application of the USA for an Order Directing a Provider of Electronic Communication Service to Disclose Records to the Government

Judges can require warrants for cell-site location information

Legal Case US v. Councilman

Service providers violate the Wiretap Act when they monitor users’ content without their consent

Legal Case Chevron v. Donziger

EFF, along with Earth Rights International, represented activists, attorneys, journalists and others in fighting back against subpoenas issued by Chevron to email providers demanding information that would have provided a broad window into the movements as well as personal and political associations of our clients.

Legal Case Carpenter v. United States

The Supreme Court cited EFF's amicus brief in this landmark ruling declaring that law enforcement needs to get a warrant before obtaining cell phone location information