Reclaiming Digital Sovereignty (www.ucl.ac.uk)

A new policy paper titled "Reclaiming Digital Sovereignty" proposes a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at enhancing digital autonomy and governance for both individuals and the planet. Central to this vision are four key proposals that advocate for a democratic digital infrastructure, including a public-led digital stack and universal platforms like search engines and foundational AI models governed by representative public institutions. This initiative seeks to diminish reliance on Big Tech by establishing a public marketplace for digital services, mandating states to procure from this marketplace to ensure competition and fairness. Significantly, the paper emphasizes a research agenda focused on leveraging digital technologies, particularly AI, to tackle collective challenges. It calls for the formation of public knowledge networks to counteract the dominance of private research, while advocating for international cooperation to deter government surveillance and misuse of digital resources. By grounding digital sovereignty in ecological internationalism, the proposals aim to safeguard civil rights, enhance labor autonomy, and foster a fair regulatory environment for tech companies. Overall, this roadmap presents a transformative approach to reshaping the digital landscape, prioritizing democratic governance and sustainable practices over corporate interests.