Abstract
As many countries move towards regulating to restrict big tech, there is corresponding debate on how such regulations are assertions of digital sovereignty – and whether such assertions of sovereignty are useful or harmful. However, the use of technology in the administrative state – for government functions and services – can have as much impact as, if not more than, big tech. Governments are developing, buying, and using digital technologies in administrative functions and services as well as building digital public infrastructure (GovTech).
This Article uses India’s GovTech story as a case study to argue that discussions on digital sovereignty must be broadened to address the uses and harms of GovTech and the global movements that promote the use of GovTech in Global South countries. By expanding our understanding of digital sovereignty, we can use the theories associated with sovereignty to shape the values which should guide GovTech programs.
Link to Full Article:
The Govtech Stack: Building and buying towards digital sovereignty