Day by day, the internet is becoming a less unified and cohesive space. “Splinterisation” has been occurring and is likely to continue, which could result in many “internets”. We outline some of the drivers of this fragmentation, likely consequences and some of the forums that are trying to make a difference.

 

The internet. Originally conceived as a borderless, open network that would connect the world through a seamless flow of information, in recent years, a phenomenon known as internet fragmentation has been gradually reshaping the global digital landscape. This fragmentation is being driven by political, economic, and technological factors that threaten the integrity of the internet as a single, unified network. As different countries and entities seek greater control over online data and infrastructure, the internet is increasingly being divided into isolated digital territories. This article explores how internet fragmentation is evident today, the long-term implications of this trend, and how you can get more involved.

 

Drivers of internet fragmentation

The growing fragmentation of the internet is being driven by a shift from a desire to maintain a cohesive network to one where national and regional interests trump the benefits to the whole. Key indicators include the following:

  • Regulatory and policy divergence. First,governments worldwide are imposing different regulations on how data is collected, stored, and transferred across borders. For example, China operates a highly controlled internet with strict censorship and local alternatives to global platforms like Google and Facebook. Additionally, in the European Union, althoughdesigned to protect user privacy, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) creates barriers for companies operating across multiple jurisdictions. Also, Russia has established a framework to disconnect from the global internet, allowing the country to operate its own internal network in times of crisis. These approaches are evidence of the splintering that is occurring as countries try to ring-fence their domain.
  • Forced breakup of platforms and services. Some countries have banned or restricted access to certain digital services, thus forcing users to rely on national alternatives. For example, Western social media platforms are often blocked in China, giving rise to local giants like WeChat and Weibo. On the flipside, the U.S. and some European countries have restricted the use of Chinese technology, such as Huawei’s 5G infrastructure, over security concerns.
  • The splintering of the technical infrastructure. Countries are increasingly building independent internet infrastructure, such as localised cloud computing services and alternative Domain Name Systems (DNS). There are thus concerns about inconsistent access to websites and services across different regions as the possibility of multiple, competing root DNS servers emerges.
  • Cybersecurity and digital sovereignty measures. The rise in cyberattacks, state-sponsored hacking and heightened geopolitical tensions has prompted nations to strengthen their control over digital infrastructure. Cybersecurity policies often include data localisation requirements, forcing global companies to store user data within specific countries.

 

Long-term implications of internet fragmentation

The growing fragmentation of the internet has far-reaching consequences for countries worldwide in terms of their economies, innovation, security, and fostering continued global cooperation. Key long-term implications include:

  • Economic and trade barriers. The fragmentation of digital markets complicates international trade, as companies must navigate different sets of regulations and infrastructure standards, resulting in increased operational costs. Further, startups and smaller businesses are likely to struggle to expand internationally, as they lack the resources to comply with multiple regulatory frameworks.
  • Reduced global connectivity and innovation. The internet’s original promise of fostering global communication and collaboration is being undermined. Organisations and individuals face greater hurdles when attempting to access global markets or share knowledge across borders, and divergent regulations and restrictions may lead to duplicative research and inefficiencies in technological advancements.
  • Heightened geopolitical tensions. The emerging divisions of the internet align with existing geopolitical rivalries, such as the U.S.-China tech competition. Increasingly, countries may use digital policies as tools of economic warfare, imposing sanctions or restrictions on rival nations. Further, countries with greater control over their digital ecosystems may restrict access to external information, promoting nationalist narratives and limiting exposure to global perspectives.
  • Security and privacy risks. A fragmented internet complicates global cybersecurity coordination, making it harder to combat threats like cybercrime, misinformation, and digital espionage. Data localisation requirements may also create vulnerabilities, as storing data in specific jurisdictions can expose it to government surveillance or weaker cybersecurity standards.
  • The end of a unified digital commons. If internet fragmentation continues unchecked, the world may see a future where different regions operate distinct, incompatible digital ecosystems. Instead of a singular, global internet, users may experience isolated versions shaped by national policies and corporate interests.

 

Combatting internet fragmentation

Efforts to address internet fragmentation are being made by various international organisations, governments, and industry leaders. However, the extent to which Caribbean countries have been participating in these conversations seems to be limited. Nevertheless, listed below are some of the spaces in which internet fragmentation is being discussed:

  • The Internet Governance Forum (IGF): The United Nations-backed platform that brings together governments, businesses, and civil society to discuss policies ensuring an open and accessible internet. The next IGF, IGF 2025, will take place from 23—27 June in Lillestrøm, Norway.
  • World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS): An initiative led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to promote universal access and digital cooperation. The WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 will take place from 7—11 July 2025 at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland
  • Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN): Works to maintain a single, globally interoperable Domain Name System (DNS). ICANN’s next Policy Forum, ICANN83, will be held from 9—12 June 2025, in Prague, the Czech Republic, and its next Annual General Meeting (ICANN 84) will be held from 25—30 October 2025, in Muscat, Oman.
  • The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF): Develops open standards to ensure seamless communication across different internet infrastructures. IETF 122 concluded on 21 March 2025 in Bangkok, but the next meeting, IETH 124, will be held from 1—7 November 2025 in Montreal, Canada.

 

Final thoughts

Internet fragmentation is no longer a theoretical risk but a reality that is already shaping the digital landscape. As countries and organisations seek to assert control over the digital sphere, the vision of a free and open internet faces growing challenges. While some regulation and security measures are necessary, excessive fragmentation threatens to stifle innovation, disrupt international trade, and deepen geopolitical divides. Addressing this issue requires a delicate balance between national sovereignty and global digital cooperation, but without proactive efforts and a willingness to maintain an open and interoperable internet, the future of the internet may be one of increasing division rather than unity.

 

 

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