ISPA UK Reveal Internet Hero and Villain Shortlist for 2014 Awards

The UK Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) has this afternoon revealed the final shortlist of potential winners for their annual Internet Hero and Internet Villain gongs at the forthcoming 2014 Internet industry awards. You can probably guess who’s on this year’s Villains list.

Last year saw Dr Julian Huppert MP scoop the Internet Hero award for his campaigning against the controversial Communications Data Bill (Internet Snooping) and for being one of the few MPs who “truly understands the Internet“. Meanwhile the Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Erdogan, bagged the infamous villain award for his attacks on social media and support for extensive Internet censorship and surveillance.

Nicholas Lansman, ISPA Secretary General, said:

“The Internet Hero and Villain shortlists show the importance of getting internet policy right and to reflect on the serious issues we and the public have faced. Surveillance, privacy and getting fast internet are vital for the country, with the internet a huge driver of growth. I look forward to finding out who wins these light-hearted awards on 10th July.”

Internet Hero 2014 shortlist:

• The Guardian For their reporting of mass surveillance programmes.
• Independent Networks Co-operative Association (INCA) For their continued championing of alternative networks.
• Internet Matters For their campaign to inform users of the importance of online safety.
• Public Accounts Committee / National Audit Office For holding the government to account on the broadband programme.

Internet Villain 2014 shortlist:

• Charles Farr, Director of the Office of Security, Home Office For continued attempts to collect communications data in spite of the growing consensus to balance retention of data with fundamental rights.
• NSA/GCHQ For running the widest covert electronic surveillance programme in the world.
• Norfolk County Council For failing to rollout superfast broadband to 80% of residents as promised.
• Russian Government For passing one of the most restrictive internet freedom laws in the world.

The winners will be unveiled at an awards ceremony on 10th July in London (Park Lane Hotel), although we’re torn between The Guardian (a few might also call them a villain) and the PAC for the hero award.