World Wide Web Foundation is shutting down: Know what it is and why is it shutting down?

The World Wide Web Foundation (WWWF), founded in 2009 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee, aimed to create a more accessible, affordable, and secure internet for everyone. In its 15 years of operation, the WWWF made significant contributions to shaping internet policy, fostering innovation, and empowering millions of people with better online experiences. However, as the web has evolved, and with 70 per cent of the world now online, the WWWF’s focus is shifting. This article explains what the WWWF is, its accomplishments, and why it has decided to close its doors.
What is the World Wide Web Foundation?
The World Wide Web Foundation was established to promote the idea of a web that is open, safe, and accessible for all. Back in 2009, when only 20 per cent of the world had access to the internet, the foundation took on the task of expanding web access and affordability globally. It worked as a pioneer in promoting the social aspects of the web and was instrumental in supporting research, creating tools, and influencing policies that would enable a more inclusive online environment.
Over the years, the WWWF led efforts to address the digital divide and campaigned for policies that protected internet users. It was a crucial voice in ensuring that the internet remained a place of opportunity and empowerment for everyone, especially in underserved regions. From advocating for affordable internet access to raising awareness about data privacy, the foundation played a vital role in shaping how we experience the internet today.
Why is it Shutting Down?
The decision to shut down the WWWF comes from a combination of progress and shifting priorities. Since the foundation’s inception, global internet access has dramatically increased, with nearly 70 per cent of the world’s population now online. Furthermore, numerous organizations have emerged that also advocate for a safer, open, and affordable web. While the threats to online privacy and data security have grown, the WWWF acknowledges that other groups are now equipped to tackle these challenges.
Tim Berners-Lee, co-founder of the WWWF, has decided to focus his energy on new projects like the Solid Protocol, which aims to give individuals more control over their personal data and how it’s used online. This shift in focus has led the foundation to wind down its operations by the end of September 2024. With its mission accomplished and new challenges ahead, the foundation leaves behind a legacy of profound impact on the internet and its users.
World Wide Web Foundation has been instrumental in making the internet a safer and more accessible place for millions. As it closes its doors, its work will live on through the continued efforts of other organizations and Tim Berners-Lee’s ongoing projects aimed at decentralizing the web and restoring user control over personal data.