Harry Halpin is an American computer scientist, entrepreneur, and philosopher known for his work in web technologies, privacy, and cryptography. With a background in mathematical sciences and informatics, he earned his Ph.D. at the University of Edinburgh, where he explored the philosophical implications of the web on meaning and communication. His research spans artificial intelligence, socio-technical systems, and security, with contributions to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and MIT’s CSAIL.
Halpin has been a vocal advocate for internet privacy, often challenging centralized control and mass surveillance. His career has taken him from academia to industry, including research positions at institutions such as the Centre Pompidou and Inria. In 2018, he co-founded Nym Technologies, where he currently serves as CEO, developing decentralized privacy solutions to counter surveillance threats.
Beyond technology, Halpin’s work is influenced by philosophy and activism, particularly in areas related to digital rights and encryption. His experiences, including clashes with law enforcement over political activism, have reinforced his commitment to privacy as a fundamental human right. Through his research, publications, and leadership in the privacy space, Halpin continues to push for a more secure and decentralized internet.
