• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Ihof Logo Header 182px 67px

Internet Hall of Fame

Recognizing the People Who Bring the Internet to Life

Search DropdownSearch IconNominate
  • About
    • Advisory Board
    • Previous Events
  • Inductees
  • News
    • Blog
    • Announcements
  • Nominate
Home / Inductee Profiles / One Inductee Fears Government Oversight of Internet
12 September 2020

One Inductee Fears Government Oversight of Internet

A 2019 inductee into the Internet Hall of Fame, Wierenga developed eduroam, a free, secure, international wi-fi roaming service for academic and research communities that is available in more than 100 countries worldwide. 
Klaas Wierenga

Klaas Wierenga could do without Big Brother peeking over his shoulder while surfing the Internet. 

A 2019 inductee into the Internet Hall of Fame, Wierenga developed eduroam, a free, secure, international wi-fi roaming service for academic and research communities that is available in more than 100 countries worldwide. 

Citing the Edward Snowden case, Wierenga said in a recent interview that one of his greatest concerns about the future of the Internet is how frequently governments monitor individuals’ web activity. 

“The extent to which governments spy on their own and other citizens is staggering. That is the single most thing that worries me about the Internet,” Wierenga said. “We all as an Internet community should work very hard to make sure those governments are unable to prevent the Internet from being what it is, has been, and continues to be: a place where, if you have a good idea, you can make it happen.” 

Related Posts

3 June 2020

Forging Connections and Collaboration on the Internet

Read More about Forging Connections and Collaboration on the Internet

10 August 2020

Larry Irving: An Early Force Behind Narrowing the Digital Divide

Read More about Larry Irving: An Early Force Behind Narrowing the Digital Divide

12 November 2020

Crowdsourcing “Aha” Moments to Understand Digital Divide

Read More about Crowdsourcing “Aha” Moments to Understand Digital Divide

10 February 2020

The Internet’s Ability to Connect

Read More about The Internet’s Ability to Connect

Footer

Facebook F 1
Twitter 1
Youtube 1
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Us

The Internet Hall of Fame is presented by:

Internet Society 76x25

USA

11710 Plaza America Drive
Suite 400
Reston, VA 20190
+1-703-439-2120

Switzerland

Rue Vallin 2
CH-1201 Geneva
+41-22-807-1444

Other Offices

© 2023 Internet Society