Brief
Digital infrastructure must be regulated like physical systems
Computer scientist Francine Berman calls for treating digital platforms as essential public utilities.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Computer scientist Francine Berman, in a piece for Nature, argues that digital technologies should be regarded as critical infrastructure, on par with roads, power grids and the financial system. She notes that while physical infrastructure is heavily regulated, digital platforms are largely governed by business incentives, prioritising growth and engagement over public benefit.
Berman points out that search engines have long been the primary means of accessing information, and social media now hosts major public announcements, political debates and cultural conversations. She warns that without stronger standards, recommendation algorithms can create echo chambers and expose users to cyberbullying and predatory behaviour.
The article calls for clearer rules and safety measures for digital technologies, suggesting that treating them as infrastructure would lead to better reliability, accountability and public benefit from the outset.
Key facts
- Digital platforms lack the safeguards expected of critical infrastructure (nature.com)
- Search engines are considered infrastructure because they are the main way people find knowledge (nature.com)
- Social media hosts major public announcements and cultural conversations (nature.com)
Sources
- [1] nature.com — originally reported as “How to put people first in cyberspace”
