Digital sovereignty and the legal challenges of a connected world

The rapid digital revolution is creating a structural mismatch between modern high-tech capabilities and century-old institutions. This transformation challenges traditional concepts of sovereignty, as data circulation and automated decisions increasingly transcend national borders.

To address these challenges, legal frameworks are evolving. The European Union has established the Artificial Intelligence Act to balance innovation with the protection of fundamental rights. Similarly, Brazil is implementing guidelines through its National Council of Justice to ensure the responsible use of AI in the judiciary, emphasizing human supervision, transparency, and information security.

Data from Stanford University indicates a significant rise in technology integration, with 78% of organizations using artificial intelligence in 2024, up from 55% the previous year. The goal for many nations is to ensure that digital sovereignty allows technology to remain subordinate to the rule of law and legal certainty.