Digital Sovereignty: A European Perspective on Public and Private Powers

The concept of ‘digital sovereignty’ has gained prominence in recent years, yet its meaning remains ambiguous. This chapter examines the term’s conceptual and practical dimensions, focusing on the dominance of major digital operators over society, as well as the authority of states and supranational entities to govern digital infrastructures. Situating the discussion within the framework of digital constitutionalism, the chapter highlights how the concentration of private power has created a new legal and technological space, often exceeding state control. Looking from the perspective of the European Union, it argues for the necessity of public authorities to reclaim regulatory and normative authority to limit corporate dominance, protect fundamental rights, and establish a coherent digital market. By analysing the interplay between private and public power, the chapter illustrates how digital sovereignty is shaping a multi-level architecture of authority in the digital age.