Jillian C. York

Thought leader examining, speaking and writing about the impact of technology on society. Singing backup and playing sax with BC & the VCs

Jillian York is the Director for International Freedom of Expression at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a position she has held since May 2011. In this role, she focuses on defending the rights of internet users globally, addressing issues related to censorship, platform accountability, and digital security. Her work is situated at the intersection of technology and politics, emphasizing free expression and global policy impacts.1

Background and Experience

Education: Jillian holds a BA in Sociology from Binghamton University and has studied Arabic at Al Akhawayn University. She also completed a program in Creative Leadership and Design Thinking at THNK in Amsterdam.1
Previous Roles: Before joining EFF, she coordinated research on internet filtering practices at the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University. She has also contributed as a columnist for Al Jazeera English and served on the board of Global Voices, where she focused on Middle Eastern issues.1

Current Involvement

In addition to her role at EFF, Jillian is a visiting professor at the College of Europe in Warsaw, teaching courses on technology and politics. She is also involved with various organizations, including being a founding member of Deep Lab, which explores themes of privacy and security in the arts and society.1

Publications and Speaking Engagements

Jillian is an active writer and speaker, having contributed to notable publications such as The Atlantic, Wired, and MIT Technology Review. She often discusses the implications of technology on society, particularly regarding freedom of expression.1