Where are the creators in 2015? Berners-Lee is still as tightly involved with web as he ever was, directing the World Wide Web Consortium he helped create. In fact, he's pushing hard to protect the open web against both government censorship and telecoms' attempts to crush net neutrality. CERN's role, however, has changed somewhat. While it's still embroiled in networking research (specifically grid computing), it's more often known for smashing particles.

The one point of common ground is the web itself. It's more of a platform than a bunch of documents, and it's now available on everything from the phone in your pocket to a display on your head. However, its core remains the same: it's a vital, dynamic tool for sharing information around the planet. Barring surprises, you'll likely be surfing the web by the time the first site marks its 50th birthday.