For over thirty years, the Electronic Frontier Foundation presented awards to key leaders and organizations in the fight for freedom and innovation online. The EFF Awards celebrate the longtime stalwarts working on behalf of technology users, both in the public eye and behind the scenes. Honorees included visionary activist Aaron Swartz, human rights and security researchers The Citizen Lab, media activist Malkia Devich-Cyril, cyberpunk author William Gibson, and whistle-blower Chelsea Manning.

The internet is a necessity in modern life and a continually evolving tool for communication, creativity, and human potential. Together we carry—and must always steward—the movement to protect civil liberties and human rights online. Will you help us spotlight some of the latest and most impactful work towards a better digital future?

Nominate a digital rights luminary for an EFF Award today! 

To submit your nomination, please complete the nomination form at the bottom of this page.

What does it take to be an EFF Award winner?

Nominees must have made a specific, substantial contribution to help ensure that technology supports freedom, justice, and innovation for all people. The contribution may be technical, social, economic, or cultural. Our community has celebrated people working in diverse fields including journalism, art, digital access, legislation, tech development, and law.

Who can submit a nomination?

Anyone can nominate a potential EFF Award recipient. You may nominate more than one recipient, and you may nominate yourself or your organization. Please complete separate entries for each nominee.

What fields are required?

All valid nominations must contain your reason, however brief, for nominating the individual or organization. Please include a means of contacting the nominee. If you don't have their personal email address or phone number, a link to their active social media account or website can be substituted. While anonymous nominations are accepted, we'd like to be able to contact the nominating parties in case we need further information.

Who is eligible for an EFF Award?

Nominations may be made for individuals, systems, or organizations in the private or public sectors.

Who is not eligible?

Past award recipients, current members of EFF's staff and operating board are not eligible.

What happens for the nominees that win?

Persons or representatives of organizations receiving an EFF Award will be invited to San Francisco, CA (at EFF’s expense) to participate in the live ceremony which will take place in September 2024. We encourage everyone to join us in celebration of the honorees!

Nominations close on Friday, May 31st at 2PM Pacific, so don't hesitate! If you have questions, please email events@eff.org.