The Reality of Digital States

Tom Stoneham

The Reality of Digital States

Philosophy

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

Abstract

It is argued that nation states are only territorial because their power rests on physical force. Once we recognise the existence of digital force, we must countenance the possibility of non-territorial, digital states. By creating 'citizens' for whom the personal costs of switching to a different platform are very high, Big Tech companies can become literal states. This changes how nation-states should think about regulation of technology and their 'international' relations to these companies.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Digital Transformation in Artificial Systems
Editors	Mirko Farina, Paolo Ciancarini, Xiao Yu, Jin Chen
Publisher	Elsevier
Publication status	Accepted/In press - 5 Feb 2025

Cite this

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