Fragmentation in the Global Network and Its Consequences
Experts gathered to discuss the fragmentation of the global network and the potential consequences during a session titled Fight for the Internet: Who Sleeps, Loses. The event took place as part of the UN Internet Governance Forum held in Japan, with the Russian Center for Global IT Cooperation reporting on its organization and proceedings.
Olga Makarova, director of the commercial resource management department at MTS PJSC, shared thoughts from the event. She referenced Carlota Perez, the economist, noting that every major technological revolution tends to follow a familiar cycle: a surge of capital and ideas, followed by a regulatory phase, then a period of synergy and maturity that culminates in full integration. This perspective frames fragmentation as a transitional phase rather than a terminal state.
She stressed that the goal is not to allow numerous fragmented local networks to supplant the global Internet. The Internet today is not a perfectly unified structure, but its various components remain interlinked, and that interconnectedness is essential for global communication and commerce.
Vadim Glushchenko, director of the Global IT Cooperation Center, reminded attendees that serious debates about Internet fragmentation began in Germany in 2019. He noted that one proposed path forward is a global digital agreement introduced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The agreement would not necessarily stop fragmentation outright, but it could establish universal rules and principles to guide the decentralized development of national Internet segments, creating a framework for cooperation among diverse systems and regions.
OpenLink Group President Milos Jovanovic brought up the topic of digital sovereignty. He advised market players to pursue domestically produced equipment and software to gain greater technological independence from external suppliers, emphasizing the strategic value of building local capabilities for resilience and security.
During a closing reflection, Roman Chukov, chairman of the board at the Global IT Cooperation Center, urged the international community to consider the perspectives of the Global South on fragmentation issues. The aim is to prevent a widening gap in technology access and infrastructure that could leave developing nations with limited connectivity and capability. Strengthening international cooperation is presented as a practical path to ensuring every country can maintain a stable Internet connection and participate in the global digital economy.
Overall, the discussion highlighted a shared concern about uneven technology distribution and the risk of further fragmentation if global cooperation wanes. The speakers underscored that developing robust, interoperable standards and fostering inclusive collaboration are essential steps for sustaining a connected world where innovations in one country can benefit users worldwide. Continued dialogue and practical policy initiatives are seen as critical to preserving the Internet as a common, resilient platform for information exchange, commerce, and social progress.