Sovereignty

2026-02-12 · Source: AI Now Institute · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation, AI Governance & Policy · Depth: Advanced, medium

Summary

Rafael Grohmann, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, critiques the dominant discourse surrounding "digital sovereignty," arguing it has been depoliticized and co-opted by states and Big Tech. He traces the concept's origins to 1970s anti-imperialist political economy, where it addressed global power imbalances and technological dependency, particularly in the Global South. Grohmann contends that today's digital sovereignty discourse often frames a superficial conflict between states and large tech companies, sidestepping fundamental questions of power and benefit. He introduces "popular digital sovereignty," a bottom-up approach rooted in community control, education, and resource sharing, drawing on his research with social movements and cooperatives in Latin America, such as Brazil's Homeless Workers Movement (MTST). This alternative vision emphasizes building and circulating prototypes of a more equitable digital world.

Key takeaway

For research scientists and policymakers working on AI governance, recognize that current "digital sovereignty" narratives often obscure power dynamics and colonial legacies. Prioritize supporting grassroots movements and community-led technology initiatives, like Brazil's MTST, that build alternative digital infrastructures and educational programs. Your efforts should focus on enabling genuine popular digital sovereignty rather than merely regulating Big Tech or accepting their co-opted solutions, fostering a more equitable digital future.

Key insights

Digital sovereignty, often co-opted by states and Big Tech, can be reframed as a bottom-up, community-led movement.

Principles

• Sovereignty is not a commodity to be sold.
• "Governance" can mask class struggle.
• Community control fosters true digital sovereignty.

Method

The Homeless Workers Movement (MTST) in Brazil created a tech sector to build alternative, worker-led technologies and teach computation from a community perspective, embodying "popular digital sovereignty."

In practice

• Create worker-led technology platforms.
• Share infrastructure and projects among cooperatives.
• Circulate "prototypes of struggles" for visibility.

Topics

• Digital Sovereignty
• Popular Digital Sovereignty
• Community-led Technology
• AI Governance Critique
• Decolonial AI

Best for: AI Ethicist, Policy Maker, Research Scientist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI Now Institute.