Digital sovereignty, challenges and risks of digitalization in Latin America

Abstract

The article is devoted to the problem of digital sovereignty in the countries of Latin and Caribbean America (LCA). The monopolization of the global information technology (IT) industry has led to a sharp increase in the technological dependence of less digitally developed countries. The mass spread of social networks and digital platforms has increased the risks of external actors interfering in the socio-political and economic processes of developing countries. LCA states that are actively involved in digital transformation continue to depend on external suppliers of equipment and software, while their technological potential and qualified personnel are widely used in the interests of North American Big Tech. Dependence on tech giants and vulnerability in terms of digital security are pushing the countries of the region to take measures to develop national competencies in advanced technologies, solve the problem of ensuring digital sovereignty in critical sectors of the economy, create a favorable environment for doing business in the digital sphere, and improve legislative regulation.