The UK Internet Service Providers Association ( ISPA ) has today asked the public to help with nominations for this year's Internet Hero and Internet Villain award finalists. The two categories seek to identify an individual or organisation that has either done the most or least to help the wider ISP industry over the past year.

The Labour MP for West Bromwich East, Tom Watson, won last year's Internet Hero gong for his stand against the controversial Digital Economy Bill. Meanwhile Lord Peter Mandelson won the Internet Villain title for apparently ignoring the principles of better regulation to amend an open consultation following lobbying from an interest group.. among other things.

We had a tough time selecting our picks for 2011 but in the end we settled upon ACS:Law's boss Andrew Crossley for Internet Villain (no explanation needed) and Judge Birss QC of the London Patents County Court as Internet Hero for helping to expose the many wrongs of how ACS:Law conducted its business. The related solicitors firm Ralli also comes to mind as another potential Hero candidate.

Readers can submit their nominations to the ISPA either via a direct email ([email protected]) or by tweeting @ISPAUK #ISPAs. The closing date for nominations is Monday 23rd May 2011, after which the eventual winners will be chosen by the ISPA's council.

For more information go to:
www.ispaawards.org.uk