The Global Impact of Internet Fragmentation: From Sovereignty to Power Projection

Internet fragmentation is an increasingly pressing issue that threatens both the technical and social interconnectedness of the online world. Traditionally seen as a tool for bolstering state sovereignty and protecting domestic interests, this phenomenon has evolved into a strategic means of projecting power on a global scale. Countries like China, Iran, and Russia have typically been at the forefront of Internet fragmentation, implementing isolationist measures such as Internet shutdowns, controlling web infrastructure, and restricting cross-border digital interactions. However, new research suggests that the scope of fragmentation goes beyond these traditional boundaries, influencing the digital landscape through sanctions, sabotage, and selective investments.

Sanctions as Tools for Digital Divide

The role of sanctions in exacerbating Internet fragmentation has become more prominent in recent years. For example, the United States has imposed export controls on semiconductors, which could significantly limit China’s capabilities in developing AI-powered Internet services. This shift in policy reflects a broader strategy to curtail technological advancements in rival states by curbing access to critical Internet-related equipment and services. Similarly, sanctions imposed on Iran have widened the country’s digital divide, blocking essential cloud services and technological tools that promote Internet efficiency and security. These measures illustrate how sanctions, initially considered financial tools, now serve as instruments of power in the digital era.

Sabotage of Infrastructure and Undersea Cables

Sabotaging physical Internet infrastructure is another alarming dimension of fragmentation. Undersea fiber-optic cables, crucial for global connectivity, are increasingly at risk of deliberate damage. Experts have warned of a growing threat from state-backed actors in China and Russia, as well as regional conflicts involving non-state groups. For instance, Houthi rebels in Yemen were reported to have severed Red Sea cables during ongoing hostilities, disrupting regional Internet connectivity. These instances of sabotage highlight the fragility of the physical network and underscore the geopolitical motivations driving fragmentation.

Unequal Investments Fuel Fragmentation

Beyond direct sabotage, the lack of investment in Internet infrastructure also leads to fragmentation. The African continent exemplifies this issue, having historically received less investment in undersea fiber optic cables compared to other regions. This disparity, driven by decisions from private and public stakeholders in wealthier nations, has negatively impacted Africa’s digital interconnectivity. Emerging technologies, such as low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, may alleviate some connectivity challenges, but decisions about deployment and access are already shaped by political and economic factors that could perpetuate inequalities. This lack of investment represents a more subtle form of fragmentation, driven by absence rather than action.

Legal Fragmentation and Cybercrime Rules

Internet fragmentation is not solely a technical issue; it also extends to the legal domain. Over the past two decades, the rules governing global cybercrime have fractured. While the recent UN Convention on Cybercrime aims to serve as a unified framework, it has already faced challenges due to differing national interests and enforcement mechanisms. This legal splintering often overlaps with technical fragmentation, creating complex dynamics. For instance, African nations with limited undersea cable infrastructure have shown more support for regional cybersecurity efforts like the African Union’s Malabo Convention, reflecting geopolitical priorities influenced by connectivity constraints.

Understanding Internet fragmentation as both a domestic and international tool of power projection is essential to addressing its multifaceted challenges. Tackling this issue requires not just technical solutions to improve connectivity but also robust political efforts in international law and diplomacy. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too must our strategies to ensure a more inclusive and interconnected Internet worldwide.