The World Wide Web source code auction ended yesterday, with the NFT version of the source code (1990-1991) finally selling for just over $5.4 million.

The auction, launched by Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the father of the world wide web, officially opened on June 23 with a starting price of $1,000.

The NFT work named “This Changed Everything” consists of four parts:

  • Source code file (1990.10.03-1991.8.24) with the original timestamp, containing 9,555 lines of code and the original HTML document that guided early users to the Web. The code covers the implementation of the three languages and protocols invented by Sir Tim (HTML, HTTP, URL).
  • A 30-minute, 25-second video showing the coding process in animated form;
  • Sir Tim created a complete code poster in Python based on the original file;
  • A letter from Tim Berners-Lee documenting the creation of the code.



World Wide Web code diagram

The WWW (World Wide Web) was the first hypermedia browser/editor, invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989. This invention led to the development of the universal website in the 1990s and made possible the use of the modern Internet as we know it. The advent of the World Wide Web really Changed Everything.

Controversy over an NFT auction

NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens) are digital assets that are Tokens of non-homogenous assets such as art, real estate, or collectibles. NFT cannot be duplicated and is therefore unique and valuable. More and more NFT auctions have been in the news this year.

However, the auction has caused a lot of controversy, as many people believe it does not match the value of the Internet.

“It’s completely consistent with the value of the Internet,” says Mr Berners-Lee. I’m not selling the code, I’m selling an image I made in Python to show what the source looks like on the wall, with my signature. If they don’t think it’s appropriate for me to sell NFT posters, what about selling a book? I’ve written books and made money, but it hasn’t affected the free and open nature of the Internet. It’s the same now.”

“NFT is the latest game changer in both art and digital art like this and is the most appropriate expression of ownership right now,” he says. The NFT form is an ideal way to package your Web origin.”

“The Web code and its use, knowledge, power, and potential remain open to all who continue to innovate, create, and initiate the next technological revolution.” “Said Sotheby’s in a statement on the sale.

All the money raised from the auction will be used to support Tim Berners-Lee and his wife.

Reference link:

  • https://www.sothebys.com/en/b…
  • https://www.theguardian.com/t…