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Who are some of the most influential online activists in history?

Julia Odd

When it comes to influential online activists throughout history, there have been plenty of names that come to mind. Some of the most notable ones include Edward Snowden, Julian Assange, Malala Yousafzai, and Ai Weiwei.

Edward Snowden is undoubtedly one of the most influential online activists in history. He became internationally known after leaking classified information from the NSA about global surveillance programs, making it clear that the U.S. government was spying on its citizens. He has since been living in exile in Russia, with many calling him a hero for his work in exposing government secrets.

Julian Assange is another well-known figure in the world of online activism. As the founder of WikiLeaks, Assange was responsible for publishing millions of classified documents and diplomatic cables. He faced international attention when he was arrested in London in 2019 after seeking asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden. He has been in jail in the UK since then.

Malala Yousafzai is an advocate for women's rights and education. She came to prominence after being shot in the head by the Taliban in 2012 for advocating on behalf of young girls in Pakistan who wanted to go to school. Since then, she has become a spokesperson for girls' education around the world and has won numerous awards for her bravery and advocacy work.

Ai Weiwei is an artist and activist from China. He is known for his outspoken criticism of the Chinese government and its human rights abuses. He was arrested in 2011 for allegedly inciting subversion of state power, which he denied, and was released on bail after 81 days in detention. He has continued to use his platform to bring attention to issues like censorship, corruption, and the refugee crisis.

Other notable online activists include Chelsea Manning, who leaked classified documents to WikiLeaks and spent several years in prison; Aaron Swartz, who fought for internet freedom and played a key role in stopping SOPA and PIPA; and Adiós Cordera, a Spanish hacker and activist who has been involved in numerous campaigns against government surveillance and censorship.

In conclusion, there have been many influential online activists throughout history who have used the power of the internet to bring attention to important issues and effect change. Whether through leaking classified documents, advocating for human rights and education, or fighting for internet freedom, these activists have made a significant impact on the world and continue to inspire people to take action and stand up for what they believe in.