Europe offers a third way in the technological transformation

Abstract

The digital world is branching in two directions: techno-authoritarianism – as Chinese technology firms increase their presence in Europe; and a network of private US corporations deploying a business model that is also based on total surveillance. This slow-motion splintering of the internet has accelerated during the pandemic. From its position of vulnerability, the EU is emerging as a third way in the technological transformation, as it pledges to develop systemic rules for global digital governance. Brussels believes that this process of digital self-determination is essential to protect its model and the ethical principles of technological development.