The Internet as Public Space: A Challenge to Democracies

Abstract

Freedom of speech, freedom of information, freedom of association and pluralism are cornerstones of democratic regimes and thus part of the characteristics without which the threshold of democracy cannot even be reached. It would therefore seem that the recent and very substantial changes in information and communication processes, as introduced by new information and communication technologies (ICT), could only foster those freedoms and reinforce pluralism. However, the nature and amount of information, diversity of the actors involved and lack of regulatory framework raise many conundrums that challenge democracy itself. The article departs from a debate on the role of freedom for democracies. It then discusses both the opportunities and the constraints emerging from the use of new ICT. With reference to published data, internet freedom is addressed, in order to grasp information on how political power is reacting to this new and powerful tool of communication with and between the citizens, and both inside and across borders. In an era of debates on ‘populism and demagogy’, on ‘illiberal democracy’, and on ‘digital authoritarianism’, scrutinising the ‘virtuous’ and the ‘vicious’ uses of the internet, with reference to the integrity and the quality of democracy, is a necessary academic discussion, in order to understand what may lie ahead for democratic regimes.