In 1990, Barlow used William Gibson's term "cyberspace" in reference to the online community and founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation with Mitch Kapor. He has since been recognized as an expert commentator on cyberspace issues ranging from privacy and cyber liberties to electronic cash.
In 2000, Barlow helped start Bridges.Org to assist people in developing countries use technology - to bridge the digital divide. He is also a Fellow at Harvard Law School's Berkman Center for Internet and Society.