John Perry Barlow: will dream of open internet die with its founding father?

The pioneer penned his techno-utopian 'Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace' two decades ago. His ideals are at risk of going with him

• John Perry Barlow, 'visionary' internet pioneer, dies aged 70

Internet pioneer John Perry Barlow, who championed ideals of a free and open internet, has died. And his ideals are at risk of dying with him.

Barlow's Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace, written almost exactly 22 years ago, was a rallying cry for cyberpunks and a warning to governments: "On behalf of the future, I ask you of the past to leave us alone. You are not welcome among us. You have no sovereignty where we gather."