Last week, the World Wide Web Foundation (WWWF) issued an open letter announcing its decision to “wind down” operations and “close [its] virtual doors” after 15 years dedicated to making the internet safer and more accessible for all users. Founded in 2009 by Tim Berners-Lee, who is widely recognized as the inventor of the World Wide Web, the organization has played a crucial role in promoting a more equitable online experience.
When the WWWF was established, only 20% of the global population had internet access. Fast forward to today, and that number has surged to an impressive 70%, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. However, this rapid growth has been accompanied by increasing threats from scams, malware, and hackers, making the foundation’s mission all the more critical. In his open letter, Berners-Lee acknowledges that while today’s internet faces numerous challenges, many outstanding organizations have emerged over the past decade to defend the web’s principles and protect users’ rights online.
With this shift in focus, Berners-Lee plans to redirect his efforts toward developing the Solid Protocol, which aims to foster a more open and decentralized evolution of the web. By concentrating on this initiative, he hopes to further his vision for a web that empowers users, ensuring that the progress made over the years continues to thrive in a secure environment.
