Advocating for Digital Sovereignty: European Experiences and Global Lessons

The concept of digital sovereignty has rapidly gained momentum in both Canada and Europe, reflecting growing concerns about who controls our digital infrastructure, data, and public discourse. Nowhere is this debate more dynamic than in the European Union, where lawmakers and advocacy organizations are actively shaping the future of the social web and the digital public sphere. As the founder of the Alliance of Open Networks and Democratic Public Spheres and a recent participant in the EU Summit on Digital Sovereignty, I will examine the communication strategies advocacy groups use to shape public discourse, build alliances, and engage with policymakers and the media. Attendees will understand how digital sovereignty is being debated in the EU, learn about the specific demands and advocacy tactics of European digital rights organizations, with a focus on open protocols, decentralized networks, and democratic governance. The goal of this talk is to identify opportunities for cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange. In a year when digital policy is at the forefront of public debate, this talk offers timely, in-depth insights from the European experience, providing both inspiration and practical guidance for building a more open, decentralized, and democratic digital future.