splinternet
Fractured global network
Splinternet describes the fragmentation of the internet into separate, isolated networks—typically along national or political lines.
Countries like China and Russia maintain firewalls that block foreign content and restrict access, creating distinct online ecosystems.
The term captures anxiety about the internet's original promise of borderless information exchange giving way to balkanized digital territories: The splinternet is already here—try accessing Google from Beijing.
Network access control system
- blocklistCatalog of prohibited items
- bannedOfficially disallowed
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- propagandaBiased information for influence
Division into distinct areas
- localizationAdapting for specific markets
- nationalismDevotion to one's country
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
- territorialityDefense of claimed space
State-sponsored digital attacks
- sanctionsPunitive international restrictions
- nation-stateSovereign political territory
- hegemonyDominant group's control
- espionageCovert intelligence gathering
decoupling · alliances · influence · dominance · conflict · intelligence · coercion
Established codes of conduct
- standardsAccepted levels of quality
- DNSInternet naming protocol
- routingPath selection process
- interconnectionMutual joining of parts
interoperability · compatibility · networks · architecture · peering · decentralization
Interdependent organism-environment systems
- interoperabilityCross-platform functional harmony
firewall
Network access control system
- blocklistCatalog of prohibited items
- bannedOfficially disallowed
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
regionalization
Division into distinct areas
- localizationAdapting for specific markets
- nationalismDevotion to one's country
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
territoriality · jurisdictional · autarky · protectionism · customization
cyberwarfare
State-sponsored digital attacks
- sanctionsPunitive international restrictions
- nation-stateSovereign political territory
- hegemonyDominant group's control
espionage · decoupling · alliances · influence · dominance · conflict · intelligence · coercion
protocols
Established codes of conduct
interconnection · interoperability · compatibility · networks · architecture · peering · decentralization
ecosystems
Interdependent organism-environment systems
- interoperabilityCross-platform functional harmony