DIGITAL INDEPENDENCE AND NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY: PROTECTING STATE SOVEREIGNTY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

The Internet does not have a single owner or central management body. It is a global network consisting of millions of servers, cables and independent data centers belonging to various governments, providers and corporations. With the development of the Internet in the world and the formation of a single information space, it is necessary to address the issue of digital independence. Because without it, the phenomenon of an independent state in the modern Internet and virtual world becomes invisible. Social networks impose information on citizens of the world without taking into account their state affiliation, and in this process the administrative apparatus of states and its information means become less effective and adapt to trends. At this level of understanding, state independence does not correspond to the “Westphalian” understanding, and modern conditions of development require us to implement a new dimension of independence with the value of digital civilization.

In a context where superpowers are pursuing technological dominance in the world, focusing on personal data and privacy, a closed ecosystem, a preference for national companies (full state control), an independent Internet, data localization, and imposing their digital sovereignty on other countries, a country’s digital independence is becoming particularly urgent.

In the modern era, issues of digital security have become issues of national existence and survival. States, corporations, and even individual users are increasingly becoming participants in an invisible cyber war – a war for control over data, technology, and infrastructure. Digital dependence is growing every year: people use foreign cloud services, imported hardware, operating systems, and software. But what if access to these services is one day limited or blocked? This question has become the basis of a new concept – digital independence.

Ensuring Internet independence requires the creation of “digital independence”. It involves taking control of one’s own data, using decentralized networks, and reducing dependence on larger ecosystems. This is achieved through local data protection and basic cybersecurity measures.

In the context of global digital transformation, the concept of state sovereignty is being supplemented by a new digital dimension. Digital sovereignty, which in a broader sense refers to the state’s independence in domestic and foreign policy in the digital sphere, has become an important indicator of a state’s solvency, security, and economic potential.

Understanding the content and characteristics of the phenomenon of digital sovereignty in a modern state is a very important research task in the context of the rapid technological transformation taking place around the world. The digitization of the main areas of state activity creates new challenges, threats and risks for ensuring state sovereignty. Analysis of modern digital practices demonstrates the emerging destructive potential of digital technologies in terms of the ability of countries to maintain their independence in the context of global digitalization.

In connection with these requirements, digital sovereignty implies the ability of a country to independently control digital resources, infrastructure and data. This means developing and implementing its own technologies, ensuring cybersecurity and protecting information from external threats. At the same time, ensuring digital sovereignty is a guarantee of sovereignty and security. This means creating conditions for the development of the domestic IT industry, supporting domestic developers and increasing digital literacy among citizens. Only in this way can one protect one’s interests in the digital world and ensure the sustainable development of the country.

It is worth noting that the term “digital sovereignty” first appeared in academic and political discussions in the early 2010s. It is the intention of countries to maintain control over their information flows in the context of a globalized IT environment. This concept has gained significant political traction around the world, especially in the European Union and the Global South, since the early 2010s, by balancing the interests of the global Internet with the priorities of national security, economic competitiveness, and democratic governance.

One of the contexts for the emergence of the term “digital sovereignty” was the case surrounding Huawei, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of network equipment. First, Huawei was asked to leave the US market, and then restrictive measures were imposed on it. Later, such a policy was implemented by the UK and Europe. After Australia rejected Huawei, it became clear that European and American companies were closing their communications networks to the Chinese company.

Countries with advanced digital sovereignty control cyberspace, information technology, and digital data. For example, the United States controls most of the world’s internet traffic and infrastructure; tech giants from Microsoft to Google are also American. The US also passed the CLOUD Act, which allowed authorities to request data from companies located outside the country. India, home to IT giants Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services, is competing for leadership in the IT sector. India is also striving for cyber independence, with the number of internet users in the country expected to reach 1.3 billion by 2026. South Korea is home to world-renowned technology companies LG and Samsung. In addition, the Republic of Korea is a leader in the IT sector, with a very high level of internet and 5G infrastructure. The United States and China are engaged in a technological battle for global control of the internet and artificial intelligence (AI). The main aspects of this confrontation include geopolitics, infrastructure, and the development of neural networks. There are only 13 DNS root servers in the world that control the global Internet. Of these, 10 are located in the United States, giving the country strategic leverage. China is interested in fiber optic projects connecting Asia and Latin America, contributing to the expansion of its digital influence. In countries that prioritize digital independence, the data of citizens and companies is better protected from cyberattacks and data leaks. In addition, countries become more independent of foreign software and hardware solutions and develop their own software markets. Digital independence also enhances economic growth, attracting capital through the development of the IT sector and strengthening the local labor market.

When implemented effectively and purposefully, information and cyber security, which ultimately contributes to the protection of the information space and the cyber environment, lays a strong foundation for strengthening digital sovereignty. There is an inextricable link between these phenomena. The weakness of one leads to the weakening of the other, and their strengthening contributes to digital stability. Cyber security in modern conditions has gone beyond its technical understanding and has acquired a geopolitical essence. At the same time, digital sovereignty is not just a matter of digitalization, but has acquired a cratopolitical and power content.

Thus, it is worth noting that cybersecurity and digital sovereignty are two interrelated areas. The first is responsible for protecting against threats, and the second is responsible for controlling the environment in which these threats arise. If the state does not control its data and infrastructure, any protective measures will be temporary and superficial. Therefore, digital sovereignty is the basis of national cyber security.

Maintaining digital sovereignty is indeed a key element of national security. It ensures independence from external pressures and sanctions, protects critical infrastructure from cyber threats, and maintains control over domestic information flows. Digital sovereignty cannot be achieved without technological independence. Ensuring technological independence is a key tool for protecting sovereignty. The development of national platforms, such as browsers that support native encryption algorithms and create a fully controlled environment, will minimize external threats. This will contribute to achieving digital sovereignty.