Insight into podcast panel: "The future of cyberspace(s) and cyber(in)security"
The times are gone when the Internet was an idealistic space where engagement was free from strict governmental oversight and negative side-effects of commercialization. Over the last two decades or so, the technological development has been immense – from personal computers with no internet connection at all or with dial-up or similar ones, towards a web of countless wirelessly interconnected devices indispensable to modern societies.
This episode addresses two broad worrying trends. One is the increased fragmentation of cyberspace, primarily driven by autocracies. China is the best example with its so-called great firewall, behind which almost no western media and social networks are allowed while censorship in the domestic ones is rife. This is not only about China but also about the export of its cyber governance model, as well as surveillance technologies and standards. The future of cyberspace will be primarily shaped by two technological superpowers – the United States and China, as well as their like-minded peers.
The second issue addressed in the episode is the dilemmas of the West, namely the side-effects of the commercialization – disinformation, the spread of hatred, addiction, exaggerated partisanship, etc. Governments are increasingly concerned about how to strike the right balance between individual liberties and common interests. Social media giants and other tech companies come forth with their own rules as they essentially become rule-setters and enforcers. While the European Union lags in terms of domestic tech giants, its market size and buying power give it a considerable say on rules over services provided in the EU and also beyond.