State regulation of the "digital sovereignty" in Russia: On the role of the federal service for communications, information technologies and mass media

This study explores the formation of the concept of digital sovereignty in non-liberal democratic countries through a comparative analysis of media discourses in Russia and China. Against the backdrop of intensifying global competition and technological transformations associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, comparing how different actors in non-democratic states construct digital sovereignty becomes crucial for understanding the divergences between the two countries. The research methodology is based on big data analysis of media publications, employing automated text analysis methods ( PolyAnalyst ). The sample includes over 2,800 materials from Russian and Chinese media outlets covering the period from 2011 to 2021. The analysis was conducted across several dimensions: economic and political content, national and international levels, and the technologies incorporated into the concept of digital sovereignty. The study adopts a constructivist approach, viewing digital sovereignty as a phenomenon discursively constructed by various actors. Particular attention was given to mapping actor networks and identifying dominant thematic clusters. The scientific novelty of the research lies in its comparative approach to studying digital sovereignty in non-liberal democracy countries. The study demonstrates that digital sovereignty is not a monolithic concept: its understanding in Russia and China differs significantly. In Russia, narratives of national security, state control, and protectionism prevail, whereas in China, the emphasis is placed on technological development, economic leadership, and global competitiveness. Furthermore, the study reveals the different roles played by economic actors and technological imaginaries in shaping the concepts of digital sovereignty. The findings show that Russia and China employ distinct strategies and narratives to legitimize digital sovereignty. This work contributes to the understanding of the role of media in shaping sovereignty concepts and opens up new avenues for further research in the fields of digital governance and international relations.

Subject/Topic. The article is devoted to the study of the concept, parameters, barriers and scenarios for ensuring the digital sovereignty of the Russian Federation in the era of Industry 4.0. Methodology. To study the concept of digital sovereignty as a scientific shortage, the authors used general scientific methods (observation, comparison, measurement, analysis and synthesis, the method of logical reasoning), when conducting an analytical study of indicators of the digital maturity of the national economy of the Russian Federation, the dynamics of high-tech challenges and threats specific scientific methods were used (static analysis, expert assessments, graphical method), to form scenarios of the future trajectory of the development of digital sovereignty, methods of strategic management – SWOT analysis, PEST analysis, Foresight tools. The validity and reliability of the results of scientific research is ensured by the correctness and rigor of the construction of the logic and research scheme. Scientific and applied research of Russian and foreign scientists in the field of innovative development, digital economy and public administration was used as a methodological and fundamental basis for the study. The initial statistical data for the analysis were taken from open sources of thematic reviews and analytical reports of the consulting agencies VC.RU, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the Skolkovo Research Center, Digital IQ, PWC, statistical collections of the Higher School of Economics and Rosstat. Results. Currently, digital sovereignty is considered from a political, economic and technological point of view, which determines the presence of a pluralism of points of view on its meaningful definition in the scientific literature. The authors propose to understand by digital sovereignty the criterion of sustainability of the architecture of a socio-economic business model in front of external and internal digital challenges and threats of various origins, as well as its ability to adapt and proactively protect its own interests in the digital sphere. The development of the digital sovereignty of the Russian Federation is presented according to four scenarios: 1st – the Russian Federation is unable to build an effective national infrastructure and is dependent on these groups, digital sovereignty has become an object and means of influence of world leaders on the behavior of entire states and allied formations, an emphasis on military the political role of digital sovereignty; 2nd – the Russian Federation joins the digital infrastructure to the Asian group, and the Chinese conglomerate pursues a policy of soft absorption with the gradual assimilation of the cultural and value paradigms of the population into non-Chinese paradigms; 3rd – the collapse of the oligo-polistic power, the FAMGA group (USA) and the BAT group (China), the entire world economy is being reshaped into autonomous digital ecosystems that build relationships among themselves on the principles of win-win partnership; 4th – the USA, EU, Russia is actively developing digital infrastructure in Asia, Africa, South America to form a new colonial system built on the basis of digital technologies. Conclusions/Relevance. As part of the scientific study, it was found that the digital sovereignty of the state directly depends on the level of digital maturity of the national economy and the digital responsibility of society's behavior. Taking into account the passage of the global economic system to the point of no return – the onset of the era of Industry 4.0 - the issue of ensuring the digital sovereignty of the state is becoming a new priority in the agenda for future development. Application. The results obtained in the process of scientific research can be used by the authorities and management as a theoretical and practical basis for making appropriate decisions in the field of improving the processes of digital transformation of various levels of society, and by business representatives – for adjusting business development strategies based on taking into account relevant digital challenges and threats.

The main goal of the article is to identify possible ways to increase digital sovereignty, based on an analysis of the experience of the European Union and its member states. To achieve this goal, we have set the following tasks: to analyze the content of the concept of “digital sovereignty”, its essence and definitions, to study the main components of digital sovereignty and clarify their interrelationships, to identify the main prerequisites for the formation and strengthening of digital sovereignty, including the role of technological independence, data control and legal regulatory mechanisms, to highlight the problems and challenges that may hinder the path to achieving digital sovereignty. The article presents a comparative analysis of the levels and degrees of digital sovereignty, which allows us to clearly assess the positions of different countries and the strategies they use. The analysis identifies the main problems in the field, as well as proposes mechanisms and practical solutions that can contribute to increasing digital sovereignty. The conclusion drawn during the research shows that even technologically advanced countries face challenges on the way to ensuring digital sovereignty. The conclusion also emphasizes that in the conditions of rapid development of information technologies, digital sovereignty is becoming an integral part of state sovereignty. In this regard, policies and measures aimed at protecting the digital domain are of paramount importance, as global interconnectedness also carries risks of loss of sovereignty.

Abstract. This paper investigates the divergent national strategies for achieving "digital sovereignty" among four major geopolitical actors: the United States, the European Union, China, and Russia. It argues that digital sovereignty has evolved from a defensive concept focused on network security into a comprehensive geopolitical strategy for projecting power, values, and economic influence (Süsslin, 2025; Metakides, 2025). Through a comparative analysis of key policy and legal frameworks—including the US National Cybersecurity Strategy (2023), the EU's GDPR/DSA/DMA package, China's Cybersecurity Law (CSL), and Russia's "Sovereign Internet" laws—the paper identifies three distinct models of digital sovereignty: the US market-driven, rebalanced-responsibility model; the EU's regulation-as-power, normative model; and the Sino-Russian state-centric, control-oriented model (Metakides, 2025; Freedom House, n.d.). The analysis reveals that these approaches are creating a fragmented "splinternet," characterized by competing regulatory blocs, contested data governance regimes, and a securitized global technology supply chain (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2025). The paper concludes by proposing a new framework that understands digital sovereignty not merely as a quest for autonomy but as a primary vector for exercising state power in a multipolar digital world order, with significant implications for global stability, international law, and the future of the internet..

Objective: In the framework of digital sovereignty, the article aims to investigate and assess the entrepreneurial models supporting the evolution of Poland’s two national large language models (LLM), i.e., Bielik (community-driven Polish LLM) and PLLuM (Polish Large Universal Model, a consortium-based initiative). Research Design & Methods: Using a qualitative research methodology, this work focuses on two national LLMs in a case study. Contextual data were obtained through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and scenario-based model testing. These data were subsequently thematically analysed with the support of NVivo systematic coding software. Findings: The results show that both institutional and agile approaches to entrepreneurship are necessary for national digital sovereignty to be ensured. A comparative analysisproves the agility ofcommunity-driven LLMs differ from institutional models with great scale found in PLLUM. Through government-supported development, grassroots innovation, and flexible deployment features Bielik contrast PLLum’s strategic scalability. By means of localised artificial intelligence innovation, both models show different but complementary approaches to forward Poland’s digital sovereignty. By means of localised artificial intelligence innovation, both models show different but complementary approaches to advancing Poland’s digital sovereignty. Implications & Recommendations: Poland’s technological resilience and capacity for innovation at once benefit from complementary models such as Bielik and PLLuM. Policymakers should support pluralistic innovation ecosystems to guarantee strong, flexible and sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) development matched with changing national needs including digital security and technological independence. Artificial intelligence’s innovation is based on strategic public, commercial, and academic sector cooperation. Contribution & Value Added: Examining modern and changing phenomena, this creative study of national language models (LLMs) is especially crucial. Thus conducted research focuses mostly on global, commercial models produced by multinational corporations. Therefore, it seems especially crucial to examine local, strategic, and institutional conditions for LLM development as well as their consequences on national technological autonomy and innovation.

The concept of ‘digital sovereignty,’ relating to a nation or region’s ability to assert control over its digital infrastructure, data, and capabilities, is increasingly embedded in strategic policy towards key parts of the information and communication technology (ICT) industry. However, there are few tools available that enable us to better understand the interconnections and interdependencies between supply and use of ICT products and services in an economy, as well as dependence on externally produced ICT goods and services. This paper investigates how an ICT satellite account can provide valuable insights across various industries and products. We employ satellite accounting methods to identify key elements of the significance of the ICT industry and show that such an accounting framework might inform debates over digital sovereignty.

The aim of this paper is to examine theoretical approaches to understanding the phenomenon of digital sover-eignty, its structure and function in the conditions of creation and implementation of information and telecom-munication technologies in various sectors of the country’s economic activity and the active process of digital transformation of public administration, changing the boundaries and instrumental base of ensuring national sovereignty of the country. The object – the process of digital transformation of public administration in the Russian Federation. The subject of the study is the activities of digital transformation of public administration of various branches and levels of government, which have an impact on ensuring the digital sovereignty of the country. The paper analyzes the stages of penetration and use of digital technologies in public administration, basing on which the main directions and goals that are mandatory elements of ensuring the digital sovereignty of the country are defined, taking into account the increasing role of technology as an instrument of countries’ political confrontation in the international arena. Based on the results of the work, it is concluded that the active introduction of modern digital technologies in key areas of public administration and society requires ensuring state digital sovereignty, which, in turn, implies the creation of its own critical information and telecommunica-tion technologies, national independent infrastructure and information systems.

One of the meaningful discourses in Russia's current information agenda is information security, which has become increasingly important amid geopolitical and domestic political changes. This paper analyzes the evolution of the concept of information security in the speeches of key political actors in from 2022 to 2024, highlighting major trends and shifts in state policy. The aim of the paper is to identify the main components of the information security discourse and examine how they have transformed in public statements made by the President of the Russian Federation, as well as representatives from the legislative and executive branches. The authors use discourse analysis to study public speeches by government officials, including the President, the Government, and the Federation Council. The study focuses on aspects such as digital sovereignty, cyber threats, internet regulation, and data protection. The authors underline that the information security discourse acts as a tool for political mobilization, shaping public awareness and justifying strict regulatory measures. The results show how technological, legal, and ideological elements combine into a cohesive strategy for national security. This paper will be beneficial for experts in political science, sociology, and information technology, as well as anyone interested in digital sovereignty and state policy.

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.

In the digital age, cyberspace has emerged as a vital domain influencing national security, economic development, governance, and individual rights. As nations become increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure and data-driven systems, the threats posed by cybercrimes, data breaches, ransomware, and foreign surveillance have intensified. Consequently, cyber security law has become an essential legal and policy instrument to regulate, monitor, and secure the digital ecosystem. However, the scope of cyber regulation now extends beyond traditional cybercrime to encompass broader themes of digital sovereignty — the ability of a state to exercise legal and political control over its digital assets, data flow, and technology usage within its borders. This paper critically examines the evolving intersection between cyber security laws and digital sovereignty, with a special focus on the Indian context. It explores how various legal regimes — such as the Information Technology Act, 2000; CERT-In Guidelines; the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023; and the proposed Digital India Act — are shaping India’s digital governance framework. The paper also analyses comparative models from the European Union, China, and the United States to understand different approaches to sovereign digital control. Furthermore, the paper addresses the legal, ethical, and technical challenges involved in balancing cyber security, data privacy, innovation, and individual rights. It argues that a robust and adaptive legal architecture is essential to protect national interests, ensure citizen safety, and uphold constitutional values in the cyber age. The study concludes by offering legal and policy recommendations to strengthen India's digital sovereignty through strategic, rights-based, and globally aligned cyber laws.

Este artigo propõe uma reflexão profunda sobre a cibersegurança contemporânea, focando no papel da inteligência algorítmica e sua influência na soberania digital dos indivíduos. Ao abordar desde a arquitetura de vigilância baseada em dados até os desafios éticos da automação da defesa cibernética, este estudo convida à construção de uma nova cidadania digital crítica e consciente. Utiliza-se como metodologia a pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, com enfoque interdisciplinar, envolvendo os campos da tecnologia, sociologia, direito e filosofia da informação. O texto propõe o conceito de “autodefesa digital algorítmica” como chave para enfrentar os riscos emergentes da era da hiperconectividade, protegendo não apenas sistemas, mas sobretudo a dignidade e a liberdade dos usuários.

The widespread use of digital technologies has become a key factor in the development of the modern economy. However, the potential risks associated with the digitalization process can weaken the stability and security of economic development, which necessitates strengthening the mechanisms of state regulation of the processes of development, implementation, and use of digital technologies through political support and the organization of appropriate regulatory and legal support. To form the theoretical basis of the research, general scientific methods were used. Based on the cross-national analysis, a comparison of the ethical and legal principles of the use of digital technologies was carried out and the priorities and peculiarities of their state regulation in individual countries of the world were determined. A systemic approach was used to identify the interrelationships between state regulation, legal support, and the use of digital technologies. Based on the use of the empirical method and the method of induction, general regularities are determined, the results are summarised and conclusions are drawn. The necessity of using the ethical and legal principles of regulating the use of digital technologies to ensure rooted resilience, increase the welfare of citizens and increase the competitiveness of the economy has been proven. There is a well-founded need to implement OECD principles into Ukraine's legislation and regulatory framework. The key tasks of the organization of state regulation, control, and supervision of the processes of development, implementation and use of digital technologies are defined, the principles of forming the legal framework in the field of digital technologies and the main components that ensure competitive advantages and digital sovereignty are formulated. It has been proven that international ethical and legal norms and standards of international organizations should be the institutional platform for the formation of effective state policy mechanisms in the field of regulation of digitalization processes. The developed recommendations can be used by the government and relevant ministries to effectively use the potential of digital technologies to increase the country's competitiveness and digital sovereignty.

There is an urgent need to examine how BRICS member states pursue and implement national digital sovereignty, because of the growing role of digital technologies in safeguarding national security, promoting economic growth, and preserving state independence amid global digital transformation. As geopolitical competition intensifies and external pressure mounts, BRICS countries aim to develop shared approaches to protecting their digital infrastructure and fostering national technological ecosystems. Deeper cooperation in this area serves Russia’s strategic interests by reinforcing its global political standing, diversifying economic ties, and ensuring technological autonomy from unfriendly states. The study’s objective is to identify the distinctive features of BRICS digital sovereignty policies. It reviews different interpretations of “digital sovereignty” and singles out five key implementation areas: control over production chains, management of communications and Internet infrastructure, regulation of digital platform services, control over disseminated content, and governance of data flows. The author conducts a comparative analysis of BRICS policies across these five dimensions, pinpointing the main similarities and differences in national approaches. The conclusion presents the author’s assessment of the risks and prospects for BRICS cooperation in bolstering digital sovereignty

ABSTRACTAs global digitalization and cybersecurity threats intensify, digital sovereignty has become increasingly significant as a vital component of national security and economic independence. Utilizing the fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method and through data from 30 countries, the study identifies internal stability‐driven, externally driven, comprehensively coordinated, and externally dependent pathways to achieving digital sovereignty. These four pathways reveal how countries effectively safeguard their digital sovereignty under different contexts through combinations of international cooperation (IC), legal framework (LF), and technological capability (TC). The study finds that IC, as a universal condition, plays a pivotal role in all pathways, acting both as a “binding agent” in multi‐level governance to connect diverse stakeholders and as a “leveraging factor” to amplify the effects of other conditions. This study not only enriches the theoretical foundation of digital sovereignty, highlighting the necessity of understanding the complexity and diversity of multi‐factor combinations in digital governance, but also provides practical references for the formulation and implementation of digital sovereignty policies on a global scale.

In the context of macroeconomic instability, the industrial sector of the Russian Federation is the recipient of numerous threats and restrictions related to the tightening of export-import policy measures by un-friendly countries, forced changes in logistics chains, and general market instability. In these circumstances, en-suring industrial sovereignty becomes one of the important tasks for the economic security system of the Rus-sian Federation, the solution of which is largely related to the industrial policy of industrial single-industry re-gions. The purpose of the study is a comparative analysis of indicators of the potential for the sovereignization of industry in the monospecialized regions of the Russian Federation with a metallurgical profile. Research hy-pothesis states that in conditions of macroeconomic instability, monospecialized regions diverge in the direc-tions of formation and degree of industry sovereignty. The information base of the study was open statistical data on the activities of single-industry regions for 2019-2022; the study employed dynamic, coefficient meth-od and comparison method. The paper concretizes the concept of industrial sovereignty; presents a cumulative model of industry sovereignty, including three components – industrial, technological and digital sovereignty; proposes a methodological approach to assessing the potential of sovereignty using indicators characterizing re-source availability, import substitution processes and the creation of own products and technologies, as well as the results of the functioning of industry in a monospecialized region. Based on the assessment of empirical da-ta, the following groups of regions are identified: regions with high positive dynamics of indicators of strength-ening technological and digital sovereignty with relatively high import dependence (Sverdlovsk and Lipetsk re-gions); regions with high positive dynamics of industrial sovereignty with relatively low technological and digital sovereignty and average import dependence (Vologda and Murmansk regions); regions with medium or low ratings of all types of independence (Krasnoyarsk Territory and Chelyabinsk region). The results of the study make it possible to clarify the directions of industrial policy and a set of selective measures to support in-dustrial regions of metallurgical profile.