Yaël Eisenstat
@yaeleisenstat.bsky.social
Been called alarmist, a Cassandra & “someone with the resume of a 70 yr old man”. Pro-dog & pro-democracy. Working on tech accountability to safeguard democracy in the digital age at Cybersecurity for Democracy.
Personal website: www.yaeleisenstat.com
Personal website: www.yaeleisenstat.com
Pinned
Yaël Eisenstat
@yaeleisenstat.bsky.social
· Aug 26
I'm one of the 37 targeted below by DNI Tulsi Gabbard. I haven't had a clearance nor worked in government since 2013. This is political theater & a dangerous example of government abusing its powers to punish private citizens for openly exercising their 1st Amendment rights. My full statement:
So, ummm… guy snoring louder than anyone I’ve ever heard before, in the QUIET car on Amtrak, right in front of me. I mean, am I wrong for feeling like someone who snores that insanely loudly shouldn’t be in the quiet car? Everyone around us has a look of shock or amusement on their faces. Ugh….
November 12, 2025 at 6:31 PM
So, ummm… guy snoring louder than anyone I’ve ever heard before, in the QUIET car on Amtrak, right in front of me. I mean, am I wrong for feeling like someone who snores that insanely loudly shouldn’t be in the quiet car? Everyone around us has a look of shock or amusement on their faces. Ugh….
Sometimes the only thing I can do is get away for a minute to breathe, reset, recharge. The stress this week was at peak level. Filled with gratitude to be able to escape, even if for just a minute. The road ahead is long and keeps getting steeper, and I need to find moments of joy amidst the fight.
November 3, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Sometimes the only thing I can do is get away for a minute to breathe, reset, recharge. The stress this week was at peak level. Filled with gratitude to be able to escape, even if for just a minute. The road ahead is long and keeps getting steeper, and I need to find moments of joy amidst the fight.
“I’m not worried, I’m just kind of exhausted.” -Andrew McCabe today on CNN.
I feel that. Deeply. Coincidentally, here’s the first line of a poem someone wrote for me at a party last night.
I feel that. Deeply. Coincidentally, here’s the first line of a poem someone wrote for me at a party last night.
September 28, 2025 at 4:35 PM
“I’m not worried, I’m just kind of exhausted.” -Andrew McCabe today on CNN.
I feel that. Deeply. Coincidentally, here’s the first line of a poem someone wrote for me at a party last night.
I feel that. Deeply. Coincidentally, here’s the first line of a poem someone wrote for me at a party last night.
1/ While everyone is focused on Comey, Trump did this today. How many more of us will be targeted? How many rounded up? How many designated terrorists and prosecuted before those who remain on the sidelines finally open their eyes to what’s happening?
www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
In Dangerous Attack on Left-Leaning Nonprofits, Trump Orders Government to Go After ‘Domestic Terrorism Networks’
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:43 AM
1/ While everyone is focused on Comey, Trump did this today. How many more of us will be targeted? How many rounded up? How many designated terrorists and prosecuted before those who remain on the sidelines finally open their eyes to what’s happening?
www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
As we head into Rosh Hashanah, holding onto my mood in this pic Friday eve, spent around my table w/friends & Brixton. I struggle to feel hopeful right now. Instead of retreating into despair, I’ll seek moments of joy to keep centered & motivated. L’Shana Tova U’Metuka: sweet & peaceful new year!🍎🍯
September 21, 2025 at 3:30 PM
As we head into Rosh Hashanah, holding onto my mood in this pic Friday eve, spent around my table w/friends & Brixton. I struggle to feel hopeful right now. Instead of retreating into despair, I’ll seek moments of joy to keep centered & motivated. L’Shana Tova U’Metuka: sweet & peaceful new year!🍎🍯
Honest question: CNN (and other outlets) are showing the hearing for Kirk's suspected killer right now. Is it normal to publicly live stream a hearing like this? Feels like this isn't standard procedure, but I truly don't know.
September 16, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Honest question: CNN (and other outlets) are showing the hearing for Kirk's suspected killer right now. Is it normal to publicly live stream a hearing like this? Feels like this isn't standard procedure, but I truly don't know.
This is a sad and dangerous day for the United States.
I can push back against conspiracy theories, hate speech, election denialism, and other things that Charlie Kirk engaged in. But murdering him solves NOTHING and makes everyone less safe. Violence cannot be the answer.
I can push back against conspiracy theories, hate speech, election denialism, and other things that Charlie Kirk engaged in. But murdering him solves NOTHING and makes everyone less safe. Violence cannot be the answer.
September 10, 2025 at 9:12 PM
This is a sad and dangerous day for the United States.
I can push back against conspiracy theories, hate speech, election denialism, and other things that Charlie Kirk engaged in. But murdering him solves NOTHING and makes everyone less safe. Violence cannot be the answer.
I can push back against conspiracy theories, hate speech, election denialism, and other things that Charlie Kirk engaged in. But murdering him solves NOTHING and makes everyone less safe. Violence cannot be the answer.
We're ceding ground:
“Trump has dismantled the American government’s efforts to combat foreign disinformation. The problem is that Russia has not stopped spreading it...reckless destruction of all elements of America’s soft power is clearly leaving the field vacant for others to rush in unopposed.”
“Trump has dismantled the American government’s efforts to combat foreign disinformation. The problem is that Russia has not stopped spreading it...reckless destruction of all elements of America’s soft power is clearly leaving the field vacant for others to rush in unopposed.”
Russia Steps Up Disinformation Efforts as Trump Abandons Resistance
www.nytimes.com
September 7, 2025 at 5:34 PM
We're ceding ground:
“Trump has dismantled the American government’s efforts to combat foreign disinformation. The problem is that Russia has not stopped spreading it...reckless destruction of all elements of America’s soft power is clearly leaving the field vacant for others to rush in unopposed.”
“Trump has dismantled the American government’s efforts to combat foreign disinformation. The problem is that Russia has not stopped spreading it...reckless destruction of all elements of America’s soft power is clearly leaving the field vacant for others to rush in unopposed.”
I'm one of the 37 targeted below by DNI Tulsi Gabbard. I haven't had a clearance nor worked in government since 2013. This is political theater & a dangerous example of government abusing its powers to punish private citizens for openly exercising their 1st Amendment rights. My full statement:
August 26, 2025 at 1:42 PM
I'm one of the 37 targeted below by DNI Tulsi Gabbard. I haven't had a clearance nor worked in government since 2013. This is political theater & a dangerous example of government abusing its powers to punish private citizens for openly exercising their 1st Amendment rights. My full statement:
With the attacks coming my way this week, I couldn’t have asked for a better self-care moment than screaming “I DON’T GIVE A DAMN ‘BOUT MY REPUTATION” along with the legend herself, Joan Jett at Madison Square Garden. Live music always picks me up. That’s one thing they can’t take away from me.
August 21, 2025 at 12:57 PM
With the attacks coming my way this week, I couldn’t have asked for a better self-care moment than screaming “I DON’T GIVE A DAMN ‘BOUT MY REPUTATION” along with the legend herself, Joan Jett at Madison Square Garden. Live music always picks me up. That’s one thing they can’t take away from me.
While we constantly hear of Gen Z & millennials’ woes, what about us Gen X’ers?! “They could be the first to suffer owing to broken pension systems. America’s social-security fund is projected to be depleted by 2033—just as Gen Xers start to retire—meaning benefits will be cut by 20-25%...”
😳😨😥
😳😨😥
Why Gen X is the real loser generation
Don’t cry for millennials or Gen Z. Save your pity for those in their 50s
www.economist.com
August 17, 2025 at 5:41 PM
While we constantly hear of Gen Z & millennials’ woes, what about us Gen X’ers?! “They could be the first to suffer owing to broken pension systems. America’s social-security fund is projected to be depleted by 2033—just as Gen Xers start to retire—meaning benefits will be cut by 20-25%...”
😳😨😥
😳😨😥
Music is one of the few things that helps lift my spirits in these trying times. Dancing my arse off to the LEGEND Barrington Levy last night was more re-energizing than I could have ever hoped for. My version of self care. Now back to work…
August 16, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Music is one of the few things that helps lift my spirits in these trying times. Dancing my arse off to the LEGEND Barrington Levy last night was more re-energizing than I could have ever hoped for. My version of self care. Now back to work…
Ummm…. Trump actually said “I’m going to Russia on Friday.” Seems weird to change such a big slip up for the headline here, @nytimes.com.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/11/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/11/u...
Trump Says He’s Going to Alaska to See What Putin ‘Has in Mind’
www.nytimes.com
August 12, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Ummm…. Trump actually said “I’m going to Russia on Friday.” Seems weird to change such a big slip up for the headline here, @nytimes.com.
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/11/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/11/u...
“Asher was fatally injured in a sudden and unprovoked attack by an unwounded buffalo he was tracking with one of our professional hunters and one of our trackers, Hans Vermaak, whose family runs the safari company, said in a statement.”
Unprovoked? 🤔🤔
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/07/w...
Unprovoked? 🤔🤔
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/07/w...
Big-Game Hunter, Eying His Next Trophy, Is Killed by Buffalo During Safari
www.nytimes.com
August 8, 2025 at 5:06 PM
“Asher was fatally injured in a sudden and unprovoked attack by an unwounded buffalo he was tracking with one of our professional hunters and one of our trackers, Hans Vermaak, whose family runs the safari company, said in a statement.”
Unprovoked? 🤔🤔
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/07/w...
Unprovoked? 🤔🤔
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/07/w...
While it seems incomprehensible that in this great city we would allow such an abusive practice to continue, it’s less surprising when you understand the politics. This OpEd explains the unions’ role: www.nydailynews.com/2023/06/27/n...
August 6, 2025 at 5:33 PM
While it seems incomprehensible that in this great city we would allow such an abusive practice to continue, it’s less surprising when you understand the politics. This OpEd explains the unions’ role: www.nydailynews.com/2023/06/27/n...
I know this isn’t a top priority for most, but why the f*ck is this abuse still legal in NYC? That’s what I want to hear every NYC mayor candidate answer: when will they finally outlaw horse drawn carriages? Every summer we see these tragedies.💔Mayor Adams? Cuomo? @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
Carriage horse collapses, dies in NYC's Hell's Kitchen
Video from the scene shows the horse on the ground as workers dragged the dead animal into a trailer.
www.cbsnews.com
August 6, 2025 at 2:27 PM
I know this isn’t a top priority for most, but why the f*ck is this abuse still legal in NYC? That’s what I want to hear every NYC mayor candidate answer: when will they finally outlaw horse drawn carriages? Every summer we see these tragedies.💔Mayor Adams? Cuomo? @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
What do Brixton, @bobgower.com, @barackobama.bsky.social & Billy Bob Thornton all have in common, other than being smart, handsome, charming guys with “B” names? They were all brought into this world on 8/4. Happy birthday gentlemen!! You’re all in good company with my Brixie, who’s 5 today! 🎉🎉🎉
August 4, 2025 at 12:23 PM
What do Brixton, @bobgower.com, @barackobama.bsky.social & Billy Bob Thornton all have in common, other than being smart, handsome, charming guys with “B” names? They were all brought into this world on 8/4. Happy birthday gentlemen!! You’re all in good company with my Brixie, who’s 5 today! 🎉🎉🎉
We partnered with these amazing legal, privacy & tech accountability experts on an amicus brief for a case about how Meta’s design choices allegedly harmed kids. At Cybersecurity for Democracy, we conduct scientific research to show how these systems work & what accountability can look like. More 👇🏼
EPIC led a coalition of legal scholars including @commonsensemedia.bsky.social, Cybersecurity for Democracy, and Tech Justice Law Project to file a Ninth Circuit amicus brief arguing against Meta’s use of Section 230 to shield itself from lawsuits. 🧵 #Meta #SocialMedia #Section230
EPIC Leads Coalition of Tech Accountability Groups, Legal Scholars in Telling Ninth Circuit to Deny Meta Section 230 Protections for Alleged Addictive Design
epic.org
July 2, 2025 at 7:39 PM
We partnered with these amazing legal, privacy & tech accountability experts on an amicus brief for a case about how Meta’s design choices allegedly harmed kids. At Cybersecurity for Democracy, we conduct scientific research to show how these systems work & what accountability can look like. More 👇🏼
Reposted by Yaël Eisenstat
EPIC collaborated w/ @commonsensemedia.bsky.social, Cybersecurity for Democracy (@yaeleisenstat.bsky.social @whiskeyocelot.bsky.social) & Tech Justice Law Project on a brief telling the Ninth Circuit to deny Meta Section 230 protections for its allegedly addictive design. 11 legal scholars joined!
EPIC led a coalition of legal scholars including @commonsensemedia.bsky.social, Cybersecurity for Democracy, and Tech Justice Law Project to file a Ninth Circuit amicus brief arguing against Meta’s use of Section 230 to shield itself from lawsuits. 🧵 #Meta #SocialMedia #Section230
EPIC Leads Coalition of Tech Accountability Groups, Legal Scholars in Telling Ninth Circuit to Deny Meta Section 230 Protections for Alleged Addictive Design
epic.org
July 2, 2025 at 2:11 PM
EPIC collaborated w/ @commonsensemedia.bsky.social, Cybersecurity for Democracy (@yaeleisenstat.bsky.social @whiskeyocelot.bsky.social) & Tech Justice Law Project on a brief telling the Ninth Circuit to deny Meta Section 230 protections for its allegedly addictive design. 11 legal scholars joined!
Reposted by Yaël Eisenstat
Looking forward to this. The Contrarian has been an amazing media success story, co-founded by Washington Post refusenik & ex-columnist @jenrubin.bsky.social. Talking to her today with brilliant Facebook whistleblower & tech advocate @yaeleisenstat.bsky.social Join us!
July 2, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Looking forward to this. The Contrarian has been an amazing media success story, co-founded by Washington Post refusenik & ex-columnist @jenrubin.bsky.social. Talking to her today with brilliant Facebook whistleblower & tech advocate @yaeleisenstat.bsky.social Join us!
We're live! Join us for this conversation about Big Tech and the democratic backslide, with the amazing @carolecadwalla.bsky.social and @jenrubin.bsky.social. Info on how to join in this link: citizensreunited.substack.com/p/going-live...
Going Live with Jen Rubin, Carole Cadwalladr and Yael Eisenstat, July 2
On Big Tech And The Democratic Backslide
citizensreunited.substack.com
July 2, 2025 at 4:05 PM
We're live! Join us for this conversation about Big Tech and the democratic backslide, with the amazing @carolecadwalla.bsky.social and @jenrubin.bsky.social. Info on how to join in this link: citizensreunited.substack.com/p/going-live...
Reposted by Yaël Eisenstat
'Big Tech & The Democratic Backslide'
Live ft. @jenrubin.bsky.social from @contrariannews.org, @carolecadwalla.bsky.social & @yaeleisenstat.bsky.social on Citizens Reunited this Wednesday, July 2nd!
12pm ET / 5pm BST
Don’t forget to add it to your calendars!
open.substack.com/live-stream/...
Live ft. @jenrubin.bsky.social from @contrariannews.org, @carolecadwalla.bsky.social & @yaeleisenstat.bsky.social on Citizens Reunited this Wednesday, July 2nd!
12pm ET / 5pm BST
Don’t forget to add it to your calendars!
open.substack.com/live-stream/...
LIVE SOON: Big Tech & The Democratic Backslide (ft. Jen Rubin, Carole Cadwalladr & Yael Eisenstat)
Starting Jul 2 at 12:00 PM EDT
open.substack.com
June 30, 2025 at 4:09 PM
'Big Tech & The Democratic Backslide'
Live ft. @jenrubin.bsky.social from @contrariannews.org, @carolecadwalla.bsky.social & @yaeleisenstat.bsky.social on Citizens Reunited this Wednesday, July 2nd!
12pm ET / 5pm BST
Don’t forget to add it to your calendars!
open.substack.com/live-stream/...
Live ft. @jenrubin.bsky.social from @contrariannews.org, @carolecadwalla.bsky.social & @yaeleisenstat.bsky.social on Citizens Reunited this Wednesday, July 2nd!
12pm ET / 5pm BST
Don’t forget to add it to your calendars!
open.substack.com/live-stream/...
100%. This is the same binary many used to attack and discredit so-called “social media critics,” myself included. Hot tip: I can both advocate for safer, more responsible AI development AND acknowledge many benefits. Yep, I can hold multiple thoughts in my head at the same time.
I don’t think there’s a single serious critic who says AI’s not useful? The concerns I see are about content rights, worker impacts, environmental effects, epistemological threats, or media manipulation. But that’s all predicated on the idea that it *does* work, often too well for people to manage…
The NYT Magazine asked me and @caseynewton.bsky.social to open their AI issue by talking about how we use AI, why it's not going away, and how you can't be a serious critic if you're in denial about how useful it is. Bluesky's gonna love this one!
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/m...
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/m...
June 23, 2025 at 12:22 AM
100%. This is the same binary many used to attack and discredit so-called “social media critics,” myself included. Hot tip: I can both advocate for safer, more responsible AI development AND acknowledge many benefits. Yep, I can hold multiple thoughts in my head at the same time.
The nerd in me objects to today’s wordle.
June 4, 2025 at 2:18 AM
The nerd in me objects to today’s wordle.
So he’s saying that government workers are not lazy, and that they actually come in and work full days? 🤔
Dan Bongino has a nice cry on Fox & Friends: "I gave up everything for this. I mean, my wife is struggling... I stare at these 4 walls all day in DC, you know, by myself, divorced from my wife. Not divorced, but I mean, separated. And it's hard."
(Note that Brian Kilmeade has to encourage him lol)
(Note that Brian Kilmeade has to encourage him lol)
May 29, 2025 at 5:17 PM
So he’s saying that government workers are not lazy, and that they actually come in and work full days? 🤔