The 7 most influential Brazilians in the Internet Hall of Fame

O Internet Hall of Fame, created by Internet Society, in 2012, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and advancement of the global Internet. Among the Brazilians recognized are Demi Getschko (2014), pioneer in the implementation of the internet in Brazil; Tadao Takahashi (2017), who led digital inclusion initiatives; Michael Stanton (2019), known for his work on academic networks; Carlos Afonso e Liane Tarouco (2021), both fundamental in the expansion and education about the internet in the country; and, more recently, Ivan Moura Campos e Hartmut Glaser (2023), who contributed to internet governance and infrastructure in Brazil.

What is the Internet Society

A Internet Society (ISOC) is a global non-profit organization founded in 1992, dedicated to ensuring the development, evolution and open use of the Internet for the benefit of all people around the world. ISOC works to promote public policies that encourage innovation and digital inclusion, in addition to supporting the technical standardization of the Internet through its relationship with the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), which develops and promotes voluntary standards for the Internet.

To promote an open, globally connected, secure and reliable Internet, the organization carries out several initiatives, such as training and education programs, infrastructure projects in underserved regions and awareness campaigns. advocacy to influence public policies. The ISOC also engages in Internet governance issues, working to ensure that the Internet remains an accessible and equitable resource for all. In addition to, of course, organizing the Internet Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and Internet advancement.

How Hall Nominations Work

The appointments for the Internet Hall of Fame are an open and inclusive process, allowing anyone to nominate candidates who have made significant contributions to the development of the global Internet. Nominations can be submitted via the official website of the Internet Hall of Fame, where it is necessary to provide detailed information about the nominee's achievements and impact in the field of the Internet.

Once received, nominations are reviewed by a selection committee comprised of members of the Board of Directors. Internet Society and other recognized experts in the field. This committee evaluates the contributions of nominees based on criteria such as innovation, global impact, leadership, and lasting legacy. The goal is to identify individuals whose achievements have significantly advanced the growth, security, and accessibility of the Internet.

Those selected are then announced at a special ceremony, where they are formally inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame. This recognition not only celebrates the achievements of the honorees, but also serves as inspiration for future generations of innovators and leaders in the Internet space. Inclusion in the Internet Hall of Fame is considered one of the highest honors in the field, highlighting those who have helped shape the Internet as we know it today.

Brazilians honored

Hartmut Glaser

Hartmut Glaser is a central figure in the development of Internet governance in Brazil. He was one of the founders of the Internet Steering Committee in Brazil (CGI.br), where he played a crucial role in shaping policy and promoting an open and accessible Internet. Glaser was also instrumental in organizing the Brazilian Internet Governance Forum, which brings together different sectors of society to discuss and influence the evolution of the Internet in the country. His dedication to the cause of digital inclusion and participatory governance has made him a reference on the global stage.

In 2023, Hartmut Glaser was nominated for the Internet Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to Internet infrastructure and governance in Brazil. His inclusion in the Hall of Fame celebrates not only his individual achievements, but also the lasting impact of his work in promoting a more democratic and accessible Internet.

Liane Tarouco

Liane Tarouco Tarouco is a pioneer in the area of ​​computer networks and Internet education in Brazil. A professor and researcher, she was one of the first to introduce the use of computer networks in Brazilian educational institutions, promoting digital inclusion and technological training. Tarouco also developed educational materials and training programs that helped prepare generations of professionals for the information technology market. Her dedication to education and technological innovation had a profound impact on the development of the Internet in Brazil.

In 2021, Liane Tarouco was honored with the inclusion of her name in the Internet Hall of Fame, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the expansion and education about the Internet in Brazil. His nomination highlights the importance of his work in forming a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that continue to drive the growth of the Internet in the country.

Carlos Afonso

Carlos Afonso He is also one of the pioneers of the Internet in Brazil, known for his work in favor of digital inclusion and the development of public policies for the Internet. He was one of the founders of the Association for the Advancement of Communications (Services), an international organization that promotes the use of the Internet for social and economic development. Afonso also played a key role in the creation of the Internet Steering Committee in Brazil (CGI.br), where he helped formulate guidelines for the use and governance of the Internet in the country.

In 2021, Carlos Afonso was nominated for the Internet Hall of Fame, in recognition of his significant contributions to the expansion and democratization of the Internet in Brazil. His inclusion in the Hall of Fame celebrates his commitment to digital inclusion and his vision of an accessible Internet for all.

Demi Getschko

Demi Getschko is widely recognized as one of the “fathers of the Internet” in Brazil. He was one of those responsible for implementing the first Internet connection in the country, in 1991, while working at the São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (FAPESP). Getschko was also one of the founders of the Information and Coordination Center of Ponto BR (NIC.br), which manages the “. Br” and promotes the development of the Internet in Brazil. His career is marked by a continuous dedication to technological innovation and Internet governance.

In 2014, Demi Getschko was honored with inclusion in the Internet Hall of Fame, recognizing his pioneering contributions to Internet infrastructure in Brazil. His nomination highlights the lasting impact of his work in building a robust and accessible Internet in the country.

Tadao Takahashi

Tadao Takahashi was a Brazilian computer scientist and researcher, recognized for his fundamental contributions to the implementation and adoption of the Internet in Brazil and other Latin American countries. He was the founder and first director of the National Education and Research Network (RNP), which played a crucial role in the formation of the backbone national Internet. In addition, Takahashi led the National Program for the Information Society (SOCINFO), an initiative that aimed to expand Internet penetration in key sectors such as healthcare, education and government services.

In 2017, Tadao Takahashi was nominated for the Internet Hall of Fame in the “Global Connectors” category, in recognition of his work to promote connectivity and Internet use on a global scale. Takahashi was also a member of the Internet Steering Committee in Brazil (CGI.br) and worked in several international organizations, contributing to the formulation of public policies on information and communication technology.

Michael Stanton

Michael Stanton is a British-Brazilian computer scientist, known for his work at the National Education and Research Network (RNP) and for his contributions to the development of the Internet in Brazil. He obtained his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge in 1971 – he later became a professor at the Fluminense Federal University (UFF). Stanton was Director of Research and Development at RNP, where he led projects that strengthened the infrastructure of academic networks in Brazil.

In 2019, Michael Stanton was included in the Internet Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the expansion and development of the global Internet. His nomination celebrates his role in promoting connectivity and forming a solid foundation for information technology research and education in Brazil. 

Ivan Moura Campos

Ivan Moura Campos is a pioneer of the Internet in Brazil, with a career marked by significant contributions to network governance and infrastructure. He earned his PhD in Computer Science from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1977, and was the first coordinator of the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br). Moura Campos also served as Director of Special Programs at CNPq and was Secretary of Information Technology Policy at the Ministry of Science and Technology.

In 2023, Ivan Moura Campos was nominated for the Internet Hall of Fame, recognizing his lasting contributions to Internet governance and his impact on Brazil's technological development. His career includes founding successful startups such as Miner Technology Group and Akwan SA., which became the Google Research and Development Center in Latin America. 

I already knew one of the names on the list and their stories of contribution to the development of Internet? Tell us in the comments!

See also:

Sources: Internet Hall of Fame e RNP.