Data colonialism, obscurantism technological and informational opacity

the new risks and challenges of protecting fundamental rights and digital sovereignty from the perspective of digital public governance

Abstract

The improvement of information technologies through innovation has provided a measure of social, economic, political and cultural improvements. In the context of the Public Power, the experimentation by the population of public services through digital technologies has provided an exponential gain in the reduction of state bureaucracy, speed, economy and efficiency. However, with the massive use of technological tools by citizens and the State, new problems arise, such as technological obscurantism and informational opacity, especially related to Artificial Intelligence, as well as data colonialism, with regard to the concentration of power by private technology players, based on data and information. Therefore, based on this scenario, the article aims to reveal the main risks and challenges of protecting fundamental rights and digital sovereignty, from the perspective of Digital Public Governance. The methodological support consists of the hypothetical-deductive approach method and the functionalist procedure method. And, with regard to the research technique, it is essential to use a bibliographic review, focusing on the main authors who address the topic, in addition to documentary research. The paths that lead to innovation in Public Administration need to be structured in an ethical stance, especially in what shapes AI algorithms and a confluence of interests that aim to protect the sovereignty of each National State, safeguarding its interests, data and information, thus harmoniously building a digital transnational order, with respect for the principles and guidelines of each State, in addition to International Law.