David J. Farber: Pioneer of the Internet

—Individual recipient of World Internet Conference Distinguished Contribution Award 

David J. Farber

David J. Farber, pioneer of the internet, is a distinguished career professor of computer science and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University. He is also a distinguished professor at Keio University in Japan. Farber has made immense contributions to programming languages and computer networks, laying the technical groundwork for the development of the internet. He has been instrumental in advancing distributed computing systems and establishing the Computer Science Network (CSNet), facilitating the global spread and adoption of internet technology. In 2013, Farber was inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame.

"I am honored to receive this award," Farber said upon being presented with the World Internet Conference (WIC) Distinguished Contribution Award.

Farber has shared many insights at WIC Wuzhen Summits and actively participated in discussions on the development of cyberspace. At the 2018 WIC Wuzhen Summit, he delivered a keynote speech at the forum on personal information protection in the era of big data, highlighting that while the internet underpins modern life and continues to shape our future, the unknowns of cyberspace pose growing challenges for law enforcement and society. At the forum on cybersecurity technology development and international cooperation during the 2019 WIC Wuzhen Summit, he emphasized that despite progress, many technical challenges remain for the internet. He called for greater research in cybersecurity and stronger international collaboration to ensure a stable and secure cyberspace. Farber also served as chair of the basic research group for the 2024 WIC Awards for Pioneering Science and Technology, promoting the development and application of outstanding technological achievements.

The World Internet Conference launched its Distinguished Contribution Award in 2024 to recognize individuals and enterprises that have made outstanding contributions to the global internet sector. The first award ceremony was held at last year's Wuzhen Summit, where seven global leaders and 14 renowned companies were honored.