It’s that time of year again and ISPA is once more looking for those people and organisations that should be crowned Internet Hero and Internet Villain of the year.
The awards, dolled out by the ISP trade body, reward those who have either helped or hindered the internet over the last twelve months.
Last year, communications data dominated the shortlists with Dr Julian Huppert MP beating Edward Snowden to win Internet Hero, and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan crowned villain, seeing off the Home Secretary, Rt Hon Theresa May MP.
ISPA Secretary General Nicholas Lansman said: “The Internet Hero and Villain awards are the longest running categories at the ISPA Awards and are a good way to recognise those who have impacted the industry, as well as reflect on the serious issues we have faced.
“We call on the public to have a think and let us know their ideas on who should be crowned the 2014 Internet Hero and Villain.”
Dr Huppert was awarded the 2013 Internet Hero gong for his involvement in the campaign against the Communications Data Bill, also known as the ‘Snooper’s Charter’.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan was named villain after condemning social media as a ‘menace to society’. He beat Home Secretary May; she was nominated for pushing ahead with the Communications Data Bill, despite criticism from industry.
ISPA added that it has been a busy year, with the internet industry facing many challenges: “In Europe, net neutrality and data retention have seen major debates, and in the UK, parental controls, free-speech and broadband have kept ISPA busy.”
Anyone wanting to see a person or organisation nominated for either award should submit ideas to ISPA via Twitter (@ISPAUK), using the hashtag #InternetHero or #InternetVillain or email in any ideas via admin@ispa.org.uk. The deadline to send nominations is 31st May.
Image: Flickr/Bruno Girin
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