Digital sovereignty becomes core state security issue, Kyrgyz expert says
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Digital transformation has evolved from a technology and economic matter into a core component of state security and sovereignty, Kyrgyz political scientist Ulanbek Asanaliev said. He argued that control over data and artificial intelligence is directly tied to national sovereignty, requiring states to know where their data is stored and who owns critical technologies. The expert's comments follow Kyrgyzstan's hosting of SCO digital events in 2026, including an April meeting of ICT ministers in Bishkek.
Key Facts
- In April 2026, Bishkek hosted a meeting of SCO member states' ICT leaders, where a concept for regional data centers and AI development was adopted.
- Bishkek also hosted the 'AI in the SCO Space: Trust and Sustainable Development' forum and the SCO Digital Youth Forum, focusing on personnel training and tech entrepreneurship.
- Kyrgyz political scientist Ulanbek Asanaliev said cyberattacks could halt government systems, banks, and energy networks, prompting joint law-enforcement measures against threats.
- Asanaliev emphasized that digital sovereignty should not be understood as technological isolation or rejection of foreign technologies.
SCO Digital Agenda
In April 2026, Bishkek hosted a meeting of SCO member states' ICT leaders, where a concept for regional data centers and AI development was adopted. The meeting was followed by the 'AI in the SCO Space: Trust and Sustainable Development' forum and the SCO Digital Youth Forum, also held in Bishkek. These forums discussed personnel training and technology entrepreneurship, according to Kyrgyz political scientist Ulanbek Asanaliev.
Cyber Threats and Sovereignty
Asanaliev warned that cyberattacks could halt government systems, banks, and energy networks. He said joint law-enforcement measures against such threats were considered at the SCO level. The expert stressed that digital sovereignty means defining rules within a state's own digital space, protecting critical data and infrastructure, and retaining the ability to choose technologies. He noted that a significant share of global technology platforms, cloud services, AI systems, and digital infrastructure is controlled by a limited number of global companies.
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Digital sovereignty becomes core state security issue, Kyrgyz expert says
