Tim Berners-Lee Shifts Focus to Data Privacy and Decentralization
The World Wide Web Foundation (WWWF), a leading voice in making the internet more accessible and secure, officially closed its doors on September 30, 2024, after 15 years of global impact. Founded by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 2009, the organization played a pivotal role in shaping internet policies that championed inclusivity, data privacy, and online safety for underserved populations worldwide.
The foundation’s decision to close comes as internet accessibility has surged globally. Today, nearly 70% of the world is connected to the web, a significant leap from when the WWWF began its work. While the digital divide remains a challenge, the foundation believes its original mission has largely been achieved. Numerous other organizations now share the same goals of maintaining an open, secure, and affordable internet.
Sir Tim Berners-Lee will now concentrate his efforts on developing the Solid Protocol, a decentralized data management system aimed at giving individuals more control over their personal information. Berners-Lee’s vision for the future centers on empowering users, ensuring they have ownership of their data through decentralized systems.
The closure of the World Wide Web Foundation marks the end of an era, but its legacy will continue through the work of other advocacy groups, and Berners-Lee’s ongoing projects. The foundation’s contributions have laid the groundwork for a more equitable and empowering internet, ensuring millions of people worldwide can benefit from digital access.
This closure signals a shift in priorities for one of the internet’s most prominent figures, as attention turns towards tackling the emerging challenges of data privacy and control.
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