Barry Steinhardt, Privacy Pioneer and Former EFF President, Dies at 73
Barry Steinhardt, former EFF president and privacy advocate, died in October 2026.
Why it matters: Steinhardt helped establish foundational digital privacy protections that shape today’s legal and tech practices. His work continues to influence counsel tackling privacy challenges in the digital era.
- Barry Steinhardt died in October 2026 at age 73.
- He was EFF president from 1998 to 1999 and associate director at the ACLU from 1991 to 2002.
- Steinhardt co-founded the Global Internet Liberty Campaign (GILC) in 1996, the first international internet rights coalition.
- He chaired the 2003 Computers, Freedom, and Privacy Conference, a key forum on technology and privacy policy.
Barry Steinhardt, a leading figure in the advancement of digital privacy and civil liberties, passed away in October 2026 at age 73. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) commemorated his vital role in shaping online rights that remain central to modern legal and technology frameworks.
From 1998 to 1999, Steinhardt presided over the EFF during critical years when digital freedoms faced growing legal and policy challenges. Earlier, he served from 1991 to 2002 as associate director at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and as director of its Program on Technology and Liberty. His leadership was instrumental during the early development of internet privacy law.
In 1996, Steinhardt co-founded the Global Internet Liberty Campaign (GILC), the first international organization advocating broadly for internet user rights, emphasizing his commitment to global digital civil liberties. This coalition helped synchronize privacy efforts worldwide amid expanding internet access.
He also chaired the 2003 Computers, Freedom, and Privacy Conference. This event remains a pivotal venue for dialogue among legal, policy, and tech professionals on emerging privacy issues. Beyond advocacy, Steinhardt advised federal agencies, including the US Census Bureau’s advisory committee and the Department of Transportation, focusing on privacy and data security in official programs like driver’s licenses.
Legal scholars and privacy experts recognize Steinhardt’s efforts as foundational to current digital rights law and policy. As cybersecurity and data privacy become ever more central to legal counsel’s work, his legacy guides ongoing challenges in protecting civil liberties in the digital age.
By the numbers:
- 73 — Barry Steinhardt’s age at death in October 2026
- 1996 — Year Steinhardt co-founded the Global Internet Liberty Campaign
- 2003 — Year he chaired the Computers, Freedom, and Privacy Conference