Computer science professor Edward Felten was recognized with the Pioneer Award on Wednesday night honoring his work as a free speech activist and his scientific research in the high-tech and Internet world.
The Pioneer Award, given annually by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) since 1991, is presented in recognition of "significant and influential contributions to the development of computer-mediated communications or to the empowerment of individuals in using computers and the Internet," according to an EFF statement.
"It was a great honor to receive this award," Felten said in an email. "I was excited, since I admire many of the people who have gotten the award before."
Felten joined EFF co-founder Mitch Kapor and human rights activist Dr. Patrick Ball as one of three recipients of the award this year, which was presented in the Science Fiction Museum in Seattle, Wash., during the 2005 Computers, Freedom and Privacy conference.
The EFF is an "activist, civil liberties organization dedicated to promoting free speech and privacy on the Internet," said Annalee Newitz, a policy analyst with EFF.
"Edward Felten is a tireless activist on a number of issues," Newitz said. "He's working hard in the high-tech industry to make sure people have transparent access to the technology they use. We're really proud that we're able to honor Ed because he's such a terrific crusader."
Felten is well-known for his involvement in a high-profile lawsuit against the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2001. The lawsuit, which was dismissed, challenged the controversial Digital Millennium Copyright Act, a law that criminalizes the production or distribution of technology that circumvents copyright protections.
He has also testified before Congress on copyright issues and created the "Freedom to Tinker" weblog, www.freedom-to-tinker.com, a site that discusses legal restrictions on technology.
"I was pleased that he got the award, because he has worked very hard and I think he deserves it," said his wife, Laura Felten. "He doesn't strut his stuff when he finds out about these things. I think it's a big deal, but he doesn't do it for the awards."
Candidates are nominated by the public and chosen by a panel of independent judges that include Moira Gunn, host of "Tech Nation" on National Public Radio; Drazen Pantic, Media and Tech director of the NYU Center for War, Peace and the News Media; and Stanford professor Barbara Simons.
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