The raid on Steve Jackson Games marked a notable moment in the intersection of law enforcement and digital rights in the early 1990s. Steve Jackson Games, a tabletop and role-playing game publisher known for titles like 'GURPS', became embroiled in a federal investigation due to their association with a project called 'Illuminati', which was suspected of having ties to various computer hacking activities. On March 1, 1990, the United States Secret Service executed a search warrant at the company’s offices, seizing computers, printers, and documents as part of a broader investigation into alleged illegal activities related to hacking and telecommunications fraud.

The Secret Service's actions were controversial for several reasons. Firstly, the nature of the information gained from the raid raised questions about the future of the gaming industry, which was just beginning to see the importance of digital game development and distribution. Secondly, the ramifications of such a heavy-handed approach by federal agents ignited a debate over civil liberties, specifically regarding freedom of expression in digital formats and the protection of intellectual property. This incident drew attention to the need for better safeguards against unwarranted governmental intrusion into private businesses and the creative arts.

In response to the raid, a group of concerned individuals, including activists and members of the tech community, began to rally for the protection of citizens' digital rights. This collective effort ultimately led to the foundation of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), which aimed to advocate for civil liberties in the digital world, promote freedom of expression, and protect the rights of individuals in the face of rapidly advancing technology. The raid on Steve Jackson Games served as a catalyst for discussions about the role of government in regulating technology and for the development of crucial legal frameworks guiding digital rights today.