IGF 2025 Lightning Talk #210 Digital Sovereignty in a New Geopolitical Reality

Digital Sovereignty in a New Geopolitical Reality: How Can Norway and Europe Secure an Independent Digital Future? In a world where digital infrastructures are controlled by global tech giants all countries and regions face a critical challenge: How can we ensure our digital sovereignty without isolating ourselves from international cooperation? The EU's regulations exemplify this issue. The Digital Services Act (DSA), has created tensions with the USA, where tech companies and politicians view such measures as interference in "free speech." At the same time, recent events show that Europe is vulnerable to digital dependency. This challenge is even bigger in the Global South, where tech giants hold greater monopolies and control over the development of digitalization and AI. But are there alternatives? Several European initiatives, such as Germany's focus on free software, open-source solutions, and open standards, point toward a path where digital sovereignty can be achieved without complete technological isolation. How can we learn from such examples to build a digital infrastructure that is democratic, secure, and sustainable? Key Message: • Digital sovereignty is crucial to protecting democratic values, national security, and privacy. • We need to reduce our dependence on American tech giants and their commercial surveillance infrastructure. • Free software, open-source solutions, and open standards can provide technological independence without high licensing costs and create a local digital economy. • Norway can play a leading role in creating such a "digital commons" that ensures long-term independence and local innovation. Call to Action: To ensure an independent digital future, all countries must act now. We need to invest in open technological solutions and collaborate across continents to build a robust digital strategy. How can we work together to create a digital infrastructure based on openness, democracy, and sovereignty? Join the conversation!

This session session will provide a rich, inclusive experience both for participants on-site and online.