John Young, co-founder of Cryptome, passed away at 89 on March 28, leaving behind a legacy in open internet archiving, cryptography, and public transparency.
Inspired by his experiences and a shared defiance of government secrecy, Young, along with Deborah Natsios, created Cryptome as an information repository in 1991.
Cryptome, pre-dating platforms like WikiLeaks, stands out for its commitment to sharing documents that challenge government classifications.
Despite occasional scrutiny by authorities, Cryptome remained steadfast in its mission to inform the public, with a focus on various sensitive topics.
Young's background as an architect influenced the design ethos of Cryptome, offering straightforward access to a plethora of data.
He believed in serving the public interest without commercializing the platform, setting it apart from other similar initiatives.
Young critiqued WikiLeaks for its fundraising approach, highlighting his belief in altruistic public service over profit-seeking motives.
Noteworthy for his principled stance on transparency, Young's legacy is marked by his unwavering dedication to truth and access to information.
Despite controversies and conflicts with figures like Assange, Young's commitment to the cause of freedom of information remained resolute.
In his passing, John Young leaves behind a profound impact on the realm of online information sharing and a reminder of the importance of transparency.