digital sovereignty
Capacity of institutions to act independently in the digital domain.
How the laws define this
Regulatory frameworks consistently define digital sovereignty around a public entity or nation's ability to govern and control its own data and digital infrastructure autonomously, free from undue external dependence or interference. The principal divergence lies in whether this concept serves state-level geopolitical authority or operational vendor management. On one hand, instruments like الاستراتيجية الوطنية للذكاء الاصطناعي وتكامل البيانات الضخمة 2024–2030, the BRICS AI Cooperation Framework, the Montevideo Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, and Цифровой кодекс Республики Казахстан position sovereignty as a sovereign right and pillar of national security, emphasizing self-determination, policy control, and citizen protection against external influence. On the other hand, regional or institutional policies like the Digital Austria Act 2.0 and the North Rhine-Westphalia AI Strategy Paper 2.0 frame sovereignty around internal operational capacity, focusing on reducing dependence on individual commercial providers through state-hosted infrastructure and open-source solutions, while explicitly promoting interoperability and openness rather than economic isolation from global markets.
Synthesised from the 6 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
How jurisdictions differ
What is distinctive in each definition, binding law in force first. Showing 5 of the 6 instruments that define this term; all are listed under Definitions below.
| Jurisdiction | Instrument | Status | What is distinctive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uruguay | Montevideo Declaration on Artificial Intelligence “For the construction of a regional approach on the governance of Artificial Intelligence and its impacts on our society” | In Force | Emphasizes regional cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean for AI governance based on human rights and democratic principles. |
| Kazakhstan | Digital Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan | Adopted | Includes software alongside infrastructure and data, and explicitly protects state interests and citizens' rights through a risk-based AI governance model. |
| North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany | North Rhine-Westphalia AI Strategy 2.0 | In Force | Limits scope to universities and the state, focusing on reducing dependence on commercial providers via state-hosted infrastructure and open-source solutions. |
| Austria | Digital Austria Act 2.0 | Adopted | Prioritises capability and control over digital infrastructures, services, and data while ensuring interoperability and openness, without economic isolation. |
| BRICS | BRICS Leaders' Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence | Adopted | Frames digital sovereignty within BRICS cooperation for responsible AI development, capacity building, and ethical deployment. |
Definitions (6)
The capacity of public institutions to act independently and maintain control over digital infrastructures, services and data while ensuring interoperability and openness; the concept prioritises capability and control rather than economic isolation from global markets.
The ability of universities and the state to autonomously manage and utilize AI resources, maintain control over data and infrastructure, and reduce dependence on individual commercial providers through measures like state-hosted infrastructure and open-source solutions.
The capacity of a nation or a region to define and control its own digital policies, infrastructure, data, and technological development, ensuring autonomy and self-determination in the digital realm.
The right and ability of a state to govern its own digital infrastructure and data without external interference. It is a key pillar of national security.
Digital sovereignty refers to the exercise of control over the digital environment, including infrastructure, data, and software, ensuring that the state can protect its interests and citizens' rights without undue external dependence.
The ability of a nation to control its own digital destiny, including data, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks, without undue external influence. This principle ensures autonomy in developing and utilizing emerging technologies like AI.
Not to be confused with
Focuses on individuals' control over their own data and digital identities, whereas digital sovereignty concerns state or institutional control.
Refers specifically to the ability to develop and maintain AI independently of foreign suppliers, narrower than the broader digital infrastructure control in digital sovereignty.
Centers on state and citizens' control over public and personal data usage, overlapping but more data-centric than the full digital domain scope of digital sovereignty.
Questions and answers
What does digital sovereignty mean in the context of AI governance?
Digital sovereignty generally means the capacity of nations, regions, or institutions to independently control digital policies, infrastructure, data, and technologies. It ensures autonomy without undue external dependence. Definitions vary by emphasizing regional cooperation, risk-based models, or open standards.
How does digital sovereignty apply to public institutions?
Public institutions gain independence in managing digital infrastructures, services, and data, often through sovereign clouds, open-source solutions, and interoperability. This reduces reliance on external providers. Examples include state strategies in Germany and Austria.
Is digital sovereignty linked to international AI cooperation?
Yes, it appears in frameworks like the Montevideo Declaration for Latin America and BRICS statements, promoting ethical AI while maintaining national control over data and infrastructure.
Related Terms
Digital self-determination
Individuals' control over their data and digital identities....
Digital Sovereignty (Digitale Souveränität)
Autonomy and control over data, infrastructure, and AI tools....
Datensouveränität (data sovereignty)
Principle of maximal control over public and personal data....
Technological Sovereignty
Ability to develop and maintain AI independently of foreign suppliers....
datensouveränität
Principle that state and citizens control use of public/personal data....