John Perry Barlow was an American poet, essayist, activist, and lyricist, best known for his affiliation with the electronic frontier and his efforts in advocating for digital rights and internet freedoms. Born on October 3, 1947, in Pinedale, Wyoming, Barlow passed away on February 7, 2018.
An influential figure in the development of the internet, Barlow co-founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) in 1990, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting civil liberties and advocating for individual privacy rights in the digital age. He believed in the importance of keeping the online world open and accessible, envisioning it as a platform for free expression and the diffusion of knowledge.
Barlow was also recognized for his collaboration with the rock band, the Grateful Dead, as their lyricist from the 1970s to 1995. His writing embodied a sense of poetic and philosophical exploration, often delving into themes of love, freedom, and the human experience.
Driven by his ideals and passions, Barlow became a prominent voice in the fight against internet censorship, surveillance, and the commercialization of cyberspace. He composed the influential "Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace" in 1996, which emphasized the need for self-governance and resisted external control over the internet.
His legacy as a writer, activist, and defender of digital freedoms lives on, with his contributions continuing to inspire and shape the ongoing discourse on the intersection of technology, society, and human rights. Barlow's contributions reflect his dedication to fostering a more open and inclusive online realm.
