Regarding colonialism
In the 19th and 20th centuries, colonial powers built infrastructure systems, such as railways and seaports, primarily to serve the goal of exploiting natural resources and exploiting colonies. Today, digital colonialism (1) subtly replicates that model of imposition through the construction and control of the global technology ecosystem for the purpose of maximizing national interests.
If railways were once considered the "open arteries" of the Southern Hemisphere during the colonial era, today's digital infrastructure, encompassing digital platforms, proprietary software, cloud computing services, and big data technologies, plays a similar role in the digital age. Through control of digital infrastructure, ownership of knowledge, computing technology, and the ability to coordinate global supply chains, influential entities, primarily large technology corporations, are progressively exerting their influence and consolidating dependence on Southern Hemisphere nations already burdened by inequality and dependence stemming from the colonial period.
The exploitative ideology, once prevalent during the old colonial era, is now "digitalized," manifested through "digital arteries"—underwater cables, data centers, artificial intelligence (AI) platforms—operating within a global open technology ecosystem dominated by a few large enterprises, primarily located in the Northern Hemisphere. In his work "The Open Veins of Latin America," scholar Eduardo Galeano strongly condemned the exploitation of Latin America by colonial powers. Currently, although taking a digital form, neo-colonialism/digital colonialism retains its core nature, serving the interests of a minority group, creating ever-increasing inequality, exacerbating the rich-poor gap, and hindering the sustainable development of developing nations.
Transnational technology corporations, mostly from developed countries, utilize proprietary digital platforms and tools.
Digital technology is used to collect, control, and exploit user data, while providing services on a monopolistic model, strongly oriented towards business interests rather than developing shared infrastructure to serve the community and sustainable development. This mode of operation seems to be creating an increasingly deep dependence of developing countries on the technology, platforms, and digital infrastructure of developed countries.
Under the new form of global division of labor, developing countries tend to be “outside” traditional production value chains, while the high-tech economy holds a dominant influence. Thus, population colonialism also reflects the supposed dominance of Western technology corporations in providing digital services in developing countries (2) .
Digital colonialism does not exist in isolation, but is closely integrated with traditional capitalist tools and coercive governance mechanisms. Digital colonialism includes labor exploitation in the digital environment, interference in the process of public policy making, coordination of economic activities according to the interests of multinational corporations; at the same time, it is closely linked to information gathering, consolidating the dominant position of the leading capitalist corporation and serving the goal of propaganda and shaping global public opinion (3) . In this form, digital colonialism is not only a continuation, but also a sophisticated upgrade of the traditional governance mechanism, expanding the scope of control to the digital space - one of the areas that is increasingly associated with the sustainable development and independence of each country.
Thus, it can be seen that digital colonialism is similar in nature to the economic colonialism that dominated in the early 19th century. Large technology corporations now own and control the global digital infrastructure, not only collecting data from users, especially those lacking digital literacy and skills, but also exploiting this data through analytical and predictive technologies to maximize profits.
Statistics up to 2024 clearly show the imbalance in the global technological influence balance. For example, countries in the Northern Hemisphere account for 86% of the global technology corporations and hold 85% of the total market capital. Currently, 8 out of the 10 largest listed companies globally are large technology corporations, including Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Nvidia, Tesla, Meta, and TSMC. Notably, the annual revenue of these corporations far exceeds the gross domestic product (GDP) of many countries (4) , thus clearly reflecting the imbalance in decisive influence and resources in the global digital economy. This reality poses an urgent requirement for developing countries to protect digital sovereignty , build technological self-reliance, and develop an independent and sustainable digital economy.
Besides, out of the 943 leading technology corporations in the world by market capitalization with a total value of approximately 22.7 trillion USD, 519 corporations are headquartered in the US (accounting for 55% of the total number of corporations). Notably, the total market capitalization of US technology corporations reaches 17.63 trillion USD, equivalent to 76.7% of the entire market (5) . This situation is a clear manifestation of digital colonialism - where the establishment and maintenance of decisive influence is not based on force or territorial occupation, but on controlling technology infrastructure, data and knowledge, directly threatening the digital sovereignty and independent development space of developing countries.
Transnational corporations, especially large technology companies, are progressively expanding their influence globally, including in countries in the Southern Hemisphere, through the acquisition and control of intellectual property, digital intelligence, and analytics and computing tools. Much of the core infrastructure, key industries, and operational functions based on current technology are privately owned by multinational corporations headquartered in the United States.
The structure of digital colonialism is built on four main pillars, operating in unison to create a technological ecosystem aimed at establishing and maintaining deep interdependence.
First, data is the central resource of digital power. Personal data and global user behavior have become core resources of the digital economy. Large technology corporations collect, analyze, and exploit data to develop products, optimize services, and advertise, thereby generating concentrated profits. The ability to control data not only provides economic advantages but also forms the foundation for establishing technological dominance and expanding global influence.
Secondly, the imposition of technological standards reinforces dependence on technological infrastructure. Leading technology corporations build and disseminate their own technical standards within their ecosystems globally. This binds many countries, especially developing ones, to platforms, software, and services controlled by developed nations, limiting their ability to build independent and self-reliant technological infrastructure. The lack of alternatives exacerbates this dependence, making it difficult to reverse.
Thirdly, controlling information systems undermines national digital sovereignty. Digital colonialism causes many countries to lose control over cyberspace, data flows, and information content. User data is transferred across borders, while revenue from digital services primarily flows to multinational corporations. This situation not only depletes resources but also hinders the development of domestic technology businesses and national information governance capabilities.
Fourth, controlling the media and spreading ideological and cultural influence. Through algorithms and content distribution capabilities, global digital media platforms such as social networks and search engines shape public opinion, prioritizing the dissemination of values, viewpoints, and language of the technologically leading nation. This gradually influences social perceptions, cultural trends, and domestic value systems, expanding ideological influence without resorting to traditional coercive methods.
Digital colonialism and digital capitalism are closely related, supporting and complementing each other in the modern mechanism of global influence.
Firstly, it provides "raw materials." Digital capitalism relies on data as the primary raw material for digital economic activity. Digital colonialism reflects the reality that this data is collected mainly from developing countries and regions, serving a centralized processing and value creation center in developed economies. This situation can be compared to the exploitation of natural resources during the period of strong economic colonialism, from the 19th to the early 20th centuries, but with the difference that the raw material exploited is digital data.
Secondly, it creates a dependent market. Besides the need for data, digital capitalism also requires a large market to consume technology products and services. Digital colonialism shows that developing countries often become the primary market for platforms, products, and services provided by large corporations from developed countries. This not only limits opportunities for the development of domestic technology industries but also leads to long-term economic dependence for developing nations.
Thirdly, control over digital infrastructure and economic value flows. An efficient digital economy relies on the ability to dominate and exert influence over essential digital infrastructure systems, such as fiber optics, satellite communications, cloud computing, and digital platforms. Digital colonialism demonstrates that control over this crucial infrastructure is primarily concentrated in developed nations and large technology corporations, giving them the ability to coordinate data flows and economic value streams towards themselves. This provides a solid foundation for consolidating and expanding the influence of these nations and large technology corporations globally.
Fourth, the imposition of "culture" and "rules of the game." Similar to traditional colonialism which imposed language and culture, the technological foundation of digital capitalism, dominated by state-owned enterprises, exerts influence and has the ability to spread its values, norms, and content-prioritizing algorithms. This profoundly impacts the culture and public opinion of other countries. Furthermore, internet governance rules and technical standards are often established and maintained by powerful nations, thereby shaping the "rules of the game" in the global digital space.
Thus, digital colonialism is not separate from digital capitalism, but rather an important component in the operating mechanism of digital capitalism. The combination of data exploitation, market control, infrastructure management, and global rule-making creates a complex system that perpetuates deep inequality and interdependence among nations worldwide.
The challenge
In the digital world, digital colonialism is seen as posing numerous challenges to the world in general and developing countries in particular.
Firstly, there is the risk of losing control over data. Data is becoming a strategic resource, but much of it is collected, processed, and stored by foreign companies. The comprehensive "dataification" of society, from behavior and emotions to biometrics, has led many countries to lose control over personal and strategic data. Furthermore, AI and machine learning technologies enable in-depth analysis and the manipulation of user behavior, increasing the value of data exploitation but also leading to risks to privacy and information security.
Secondly, increased geopolitical competition, even technological polarization/polarization. Global technological competition among major countries in 5G, AI, and semiconductor networks is dividing the world into "digital blocks". Developing countries face pressure to choose technologies and depend on external infrastructure, hindering the process of self-reliance and innovation. The network effect and closed ecosystem make it difficult to break away from major platforms, while new technologies, such as 5G/6G and edge computing (6) , risk creating a new layer of dependence if core technologies are not mastered.
Thirdly, the challenge lies in protecting digital sovereignty. One of the major difficulties today is the lack of international consensus on common principles for managing and protecting cross-border data. Efforts to build global data protection policies often face difficulties due to differences in interests, technological levels, and legal systems among countries. While many countries want to localize data to protect digital sovereignty, global technology corporations prioritize the free flow of data to optimize their business. At the same time, limitations in technology, digital infrastructure, and human resources make it difficult for many developing countries to control strategic data, posing risks to national security, privacy, and policy-making capabilities.
Fourth, it impacts economic, cultural, and social sectors. In the economic field, many global technology corporations frequently acquire promising startups, thereby reducing competition, hindering the development of domestic businesses, and consolidating their monopolistic positions in the market.
Beyond the digital technology sector, large technology corporations are increasingly expanding into key areas such as finance, healthcare, education, entertainment, agriculture, and industry. This poses a risk of deep and broad control over economic value chains, especially in countries that have not yet mastered the underlying technologies. In terms of socio-cultural aspects, cross-border media platforms and search engines can powerfully spread new cultural trends and lifestyles, sometimes incompatible with local identities, leading to the risk of cultural fragmentation and erosion of traditional values. Furthermore, the rapid development of digital commerce also presents challenges in protecting vulnerable groups, requiring attention to social justice, digital rights, and fundamental human rights – the foundation for a sustainable and humane digital future.
Fifth, the challenge of adapting to new technological spaces such as the virtual universe (metaverse) (7) . The emergence and rapid development of new digital spatial forms such as the “metaverse” raises many complex issues that need to be promptly identified and responded to by countries and the international community. If it becomes a widespread reality, the “metaverse” could create a parallel virtual/digital reality layer where issues such as data control, digital identity, platform access rights and cultural influence, which are characteristic of digital colonialism, will reappear at a deeper and more complex level.
Although Web3 technology (8) and the trend of decentralization are expected to contribute to reducing dependence on centralized technology platforms, thereby limiting the establishment and maintenance of decisive influence of large technology corporations, in reality there is still a risk of forming a new structure for establishing and maintaining influence. It is not ruled out that current technology corporations will continue to seek to control and dominate these new technology spaces, posing a challenge in ensuring transparency, fairness and autonomy of users in the future digital environment.
Some suggested references
At the global and regional levels
Firstly, proactively coordinate in international forums such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to advocate for the promulgation of fair internet governance and digital trade rules that protect the interests of developing countries. Aim towards building a fair global digital order based on rules and principles of the UN Charter and international law, with transparent and democratic negotiation processes. Research and prepare content for participation in building and developing the "digital non-alignment" movement, whereby developing countries can cooperate to jointly respond to the "digital temptations/digital traps" arising from the increasing polarization among major powers, as well as shape a more open and hybrid digital choice in practice.
In terms of building a fair global digital order based on the rules and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, the country needs to focus on promoting the digital connectivity movement in the region; enacting regulations against monopolies in the digital space, ensuring a fair competitive environment for domestic technology businesses. On this foundation, it should gradually improve the legal and policy system to affirm national digital sovereignty in cyberspace and protect critical digital infrastructure. At the same time, based on national interests and practical capabilities, it should research and participate in South-South cooperation to share experiences, enhance capabilities, and form common positions in international forums. It should proactively propose cooperation projects to develop regional digital infrastructure (fiber optics, data centers) and promote the use and contribution of open-source solutions to increase autonomy, transparency, and reduce costs.
Secondly, strengthen cooperation in developing fair and transparent technology and technical standards at the global and regional levels, instead of simply accepting standards determined by developed countries. Promote South-South collaborative research initiatives to address the growing challenges of the digital community through international cooperation in building knowledge, values, and institutional frameworks from the perspective of developing countries.
Third, we advocate for comprehensive, people-centered measures that address ethical issues and protect individual rights in cyberspace in global discussions, in order to avoid the negative impacts of digital colonialism. We need to strengthen cooperation among governments, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to develop fair and effective solutions to counter the negative influences of large technology corporations and digital colonialism. Fair data management, balancing protection and freedom, is a shared aspiration of many nations and individuals.
At the national level
Firstly, focus resources on building independent and self-reliant technological infrastructure and national digital capabilities to counter digital colonialism. Increase investment in research and development of national network infrastructure, such as the internet, data centers, digital services, and public cloud computing, to reduce dependence on foreign providers. Simultaneously, create conditions to support domestic research and development (R&D), focusing on technologies suitable for local needs, helping to better control data and promote socio-economic development. In addition, develop human resources by investing heavily in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, training in digital skills, AI, and data science to ensure a workforce capable of innovation and technology management.
Secondly, we must continue to develop and improve laws and policies protecting personal data and cybersecurity. Specific regulations are needed regarding the privacy rights of users, the responsibilities of technology companies in data protection, and the right of users to control their data. At the same time, these policies must be strictly and effectively enforced to ensure information security, protect the rights of citizens, and uphold national sovereignty.
Third, strengthen international cooperation, especially among Southeast Asian nations, to safely and effectively counter population colonialism, thereby creating a fair and sustainable technological environment for all countries. Countries can exchange experiences in policy making, technology development, and negotiations with large corporations. Cooperation also includes sharing information and technology, and jointly participating in international organizations to protect common interests.
At the business and citizen levels
Firstly, proactively and extensively participate in raising digital awareness for both businesses and citizens, focusing on educating citizens about their right to control personal data, the potential risks in cyberspace, and the complex workings of algorithms that profoundly affect digital life. Simultaneously, emphasize the crucial role of developing and supporting local technologies as a vital foundation in protecting digital sovereignty, enhancing technological self-reliance, and building a resilient digital community capable of adapting and sustainably developing in the era of global digitalization.
Secondly, it is essential to create conditions and support people in developing their ability to identify, critically analyze, and build an "immune system" against harmful and toxic information on the internet. Through this, people will not only be more proactive in receiving information, but also contribute to protecting and maintaining the unique cultural identity and social values of the nation in the context of profound globalization and digitalization.
Overall, digital colonialism offers both benefits and challenges for nations, especially developing countries. To respond effectively, countries, particularly developing nations, need to build independent technological infrastructure, improve their legal frameworks for data protection, and strengthen international cooperation. These are considered prerequisites for protecting rights and ensuring sustainable development, safeguarding national interests and digital sovereignty in today's cyberspace.
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(1) From the perspective of this article, digital colonialism is the use of digital technology to control the data sources and digital resources of a nation or its people by entities capable of imposing influence on the digital environment, mainly large technology corporations, potentially causing imbalances in the global distribution of digital resources, endangering digital sovereignty, data security and the independent development capacity of the affected nation or its people.
(2) Andres Guadamuz: “Digital colonialism and decentralization”, Technollama , December 30, 2017, https://www.technollama.co.uk/digital-colonialism-and-decentralisation
(3) Michael Kwet: “Digital colonialism: The evolution of US empire”, Longreads , March 4, 2021, https://longreads.tni.org/digital-colonialism-the-evolution-of-us-empire
(4) Omri Wallach: “The World's Tech Giants, Compared to the Size of Economies”, Visual Capitalist , July 2021, https://www.visualcapitalist.com/the-tech-giants-worth-compared-economies-countries/
(5) See: “Top Tech Companies”, Companies Marketcap , January 9, 2023, https://companiesmarketcap.com/tech/largest-tech-companies-by-market-cap/
(6) A data processing model in which the computation, storage and analysis of data are performed near where the data is generated, instead of transferring it all to a data center or cloud as before.
(7) Metaverse là một không gian kỹ thuật số ba chiều, được xây dựng dựa trên công nghệ thực tế ảo (VR), thực tế tăng cường (AR), chuỗi khối (blockchain) và internet, nơi người dùng có thể tương tác, làm việc, giải trí và giao tiếp với nhau qua các hình đại diện số (avatar). Nói cách khác, metaverse là một thế giới số liên tục, kết nối nhiều nền tảng, mô phỏng hoạt động đời thực hoặc tạo ra trải nghiệm hoàn toàn mới, mở ra cơ hội phát triển kinh tế số, xã hội số và văn hóa số sâu rộng hơn. Metaverse thường được xem là bước phát triển tiếp theo của internet, nơi không chỉ xem thông tin, mà còn tham gia trực tiếp trong môi trường số đa chiều
(8) Web3 là thế hệ tiếp theo của internet, được xây dựng trên nền tảng công nghệ chuỗi khối với mục tiêu tạo ra một mạng lưới phi tập trung, minh bạch và do người sử dụng kiểm soát. Khác với Web2 (internet hiện tại) - nơi các nền tảng và dữ liệu thường thuộc sự kiểm soát của tập đoàn lớn - Web3 cho phép người sử dụng trực tiếp kiểm soát dữ liệu, tham gia quản trị mạng lưới và tương tác mà không cần qua trung gian
Nguồn: https://tapchicongsan.org.vn/web/guest/the-gioi-van-de-su-kien/-/2018/1186002/chu-nghia-thuc-dan-so-trong-thoi-dai-so-va-nhung-van-de-dat-ra.aspx
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