Managing Risk

Abstract

The Internet and social media platforms are disrupting societies and politics on a global level. While these technologies have had immense benefit, facilitating individual empowerment and establishing the data economy, they have also helped to mainstream terrorism, hate, and anti-democratic beliefs. These forces will continue to disrupt traditional democratic politics and contribute to the breakdown of societal cohesion. Regulations that ensure the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms are now a necessary element in the establishment of a new social contract for the digital age. Stakeholders must work to reimpose gatekeeper functions that the Internet has swept away, in turn limiting the ability of dangerous marginal views to influence the mainstream. However, in doing so, these same stakeholders must ensure that their efforts do not result in an Orwellian future that leaves citizens less secure and less empowered.