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The annual Internet Awards took place last night, with charities and public sector organisations pipping their private sector rivals to top spot in a competition designed to show off the best of British innovation.
The event, which takes place just after the UK Internet Governance Forum (IGF), shortlists entries in five categories, plus a special award for international engagement.
They're broadly designed to encourage innovative ideas for making the internet more accessible, supportive of local partnerships, empowering for young people and citizens, and safer.
Among the winners this year was the Beatbullying project CyberMentors. This youth-branded social networking site offers young people peer and professional support and advice on cyber bullying and related issues.
The Northern Grid, meanwhile, won in the "Getting People Online" category by providing pupils, teachers, parents and carers with a valuable resource for safety, security and technical help online.
Dot-UK registry Nominet has been sponsoring the event since its inception and is a vocal supporter of UK internet innovation.
"This year's entries demonstrate that organisations and individuals are more engaged than ever in making the internet a safe and accessible place for everyone," said Nominet chief executive Lesley Cowley.
"The level and quality of projects was outstanding and show that the internet industry in the UK is leading the world in addressing important issues such as digital inclusion and safety online."
However, the awards have a more important purpose than merely offering the UK's internet bigwigs the chance to congratulate each other about the thriving industry they have helped create.
As well as being promoted in the UK, the winners will be showcased at the United Nation's annual Internet Governance Forum event in September, as an example of best practice.
Now in its fourth year, this forum for multi-stakeholder policy dialogue is a valuable opportunity for the more developed nations to share internet best practices with those less internet developed nations.
Given the global, interconnected nature of the net, this has got to be a good thing for every nation.
08 Jul 2010
