In 1996, at the beginning of the World Wide Web, a group of health specialists anticipated the need for trustworthy health information online. Thus the Health On the Net Foundation (HON) was born. HON was created to promote the deployment of useful and reliable health information online and to enable its appropriate and efficient use. Two decades on, HON is the oldest and most valued quality marker for health information online. For a number of years under the guidance of the late Jean-Raoul Scherrer, the foundation has established its reputation through dynamic measures, innovative endeavors and a dedication to upholding key values and goals. This panel discussion provides an overview of the HON Foundation, its activities, challenges and achievements over the years.