Who holds power in the digital era? Session 5, titled “Digital Economy and Emerging Technologies,” commenced on February 5, 2026. The session examined how artificial intelligence and core Internet infrastructure are reshaping economic power, governance, and influence across the Asia-Pacific region and the Global South. Moderated by Rani Retmono and Khushbakht, the discussion brought together youth fellows and expert speakers to critically assess how ownership of infrastructure, control over data flows, and emerging AI systems are redefining digital sovereignty and economic participation.
The session featured insights from Dr. Dmitry Kuznetsov, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Critical Infrastructure Lab, University of Amsterdam; Dr. Doowan Lee, President at EdgeTheory Government; and Dr. Syed Sultan Kazi, Director at the Council for Social and Digital Development. Collectively, they emphasized that the digital economy extends far beyond consumer-facing applications and is fundamentally shaped by control over physical infrastructure, data governance, and regulatory power.
Rather than framing the digital economy solely as a driver of growth, the session critically explored structural inequalities embedded within digital systems. Participants examined persistent power imbalances between governments, multinational technology corporations, and local communities. Discussions underscored the need for governance frameworks that move beyond symbolic compliance and instead promote accountability, resilience, and long-term public interest safeguards.
Participant Presentations
The session began with participant presentations that bridged technological and social dimensions of the digital economy. Presenters emphasized that infrastructure is not neutral. Platforms, data flows, and connectivity systems are inherently political and have direct implications for employment, economic mobility, and national sovereignty. The discussions cautioned that unregulated expansion of AI-driven platforms risks reinforcing existing inequalities, particularly in marginalized communities lacking meaningful participation in governance processes.
Case Study Discussions: Infrastructure, Influence, and Inequality
The case study segment examined the digital economy as a contested space shaped by competing interests and uneven distributions of power. A central theme focused on how disparities between large technology corporations, states, and individuals determine access to benefits and exposure to risks.
The first case study analyzed the geopolitics of submarine cables and digital infrastructure development in politically fragile or economically marginalized regions. Participants discussed how decisions regarding data centers, routing pathways, and infrastructure investment can increase dependency on multinational corporations. Limited transparency and oversight were identified as factors that heighten risks of surveillance, exclusion, and economic vulnerability.
The second case study addressed AI-driven influence operations and the use of automated systems to shape public opinion. The discussion highlighted the growing threat posed by algorithmic amplification, coordinated bot networks, and insufficient regulatory oversight. Participants emphasized that without ethical guardrails and accountability mechanisms, such technologies risk deepening democratic vulnerabilities and exacerbating inequality.
Guest Speakers’ Insights and Q&A
- Dr. Kuznetsov framed the Internet as a socio-technical system shaped by political and economic decisions. Drawing on regional examples, he highlighted how infrastructure decisions are often made without public scrutiny, reinforcing asymmetries of power. He emphasized the importance of transparency, public oversight, and safeguarding the public interest within infrastructure governance.
- Dr. Lee examined the dual-use nature of AI systems. He noted that technologies designed to detect misinformation can also be repurposed to amplify it. He underscored the importance of human-in-the-loop governance models, contextual decision-making, and ethical oversight to prevent overreliance on automated systems.
- Dr. Kazi provided perspectives from the Global South, emphasizing that dominant digital narratives frequently overlook rural, indigenous, and marginalized communities. He advocated for community-led infrastructure models that prioritize inclusion, equitable access, and local empowerment. He stressed that digital systems should serve communities rather than extract value from them.
During the Q&A segment, participants engaged with questions surrounding regulatory balance, competition policy, and innovation. A recurring theme was the need for adaptive legal frameworks capable of evolving alongside technological advancements. Speakers agreed that reactive regulation is insufficient and that proactive, anticipatory governance is essential.
Breakout Group Discussions
Breakout sessions further explored governance challenges and practical policy solutions.
- One group examined tensions between state authority and corporate influence, emphasizing transparency in funding structures and decision-making processes for large-scale technology projects.
- Another group focused on the cross-border nature of AI-related threats, highlighting the necessity of international cooperation and harmonized regulatory standards.
- A third group explored sustainable and community-centered digital economies, advocating for local technology ecosystems, circular economy principles, and protections against labor exploitation and electronic waste. Discussions integrated human rights and environmental sustainability considerations into digital governance frameworks.
Conclusion
Session 5 underscored that the digital future is shaped by deliberate policy choices rather than technological inevitability. The governance of AI systems, digital infrastructure, and data economies carries significant implications for equity, sovereignty, and democratic resilience.
Participants concluded that inclusive and accountable governance mechanisms are essential to prevent widening disparities between technologically dominant actors and marginalized communities. Building a fair and sustainable digital economy requires coordinated engagement from governments, industry, civil society, and local communities to ensure that emerging technologies advance collective well-being rather than entrench existing inequalities.
Written by:
Aleena Mehmood, Sadik Hasan Abir
Edited & Reviewed by:
Khushbakht